NEW YORK -- With victories in each of its last five dual matches, the Columbia University men's tennis team has made the ascent into the Campbell/Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Rankings for the first time in 2009. The Lions (9-2) are the highest-ranked Ivy League school at #64, ahead of #66 Harvard in the poll released on March 3.

After dropping a hard-fought 4-3 decision to the Crimson in the ECAC Team Championship finals, Columbia has been on a tear. The Lions have defeated five consecutive opponents at the friendly confines of the Dick Savitt Tennis Center. Most recently, Columbia won three matches in a four-day stretch against the likes of Binghamton, Stony Brook and the College of Charleston.

The Lions have been led by a pair of juniors, co-captain Jon Wong and Mihai Nichifor. After starting the season 1-2 at the top singles spot, Wong has rattled off seven straight wins, six in straight sets. Nichifor has been even more impressive, going unbeaten in all eight singles matches he has competed in.

Doubles has also been key to the team's recent run, as the Lions have swept the doubles point in all five matches (15-0 overall). Senior co-captain Dan Urban has been a linchpin, going 5-0 with his teammates at No. 3.

Columbia returns to the court on Saturday, March 7 for its Varsity/Alumni Match and Friends Outing at the Dick Savitt Tennis Center at 1 p.m. The Lions will then travel to Texas for a trio of dual matches, beginning with a test against #43 TCU on March 17.