HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Houghton men's tennis will take on Nichols (Mass.) College in the NCAA National Tournament Regionals on Friday, May 5 at 2 p.m.

This first round matchup will take place in Williamstown, Mass., on the campus of Williams College.

Check out the full 44-team tournament field.

Nichols enters the match with an overall record of 13-9 after claiming the championship of the Commonwealth Coast Conference Tournament last weekend.

Houghton (15-6) is fresh off of winning their second Empire 8 title in three years and have earned their second national tournament appearance. They enter the weekend on a 12-match win streak.

"It was an unbelievable weekend for Houghton tennis to earn its second Empire 8 title in three years," said Head Coach Zach Shilvock. "Our first E8 title was something special, coming back from 2-1 down after doubles and having Matt Cicero clinch the match to win 5-4, but this time around the match felt decisive and defining. Our guys left no room for doubt that we are the best team in the conference with the 5-0 victory. 
 
"As we transition into the first round of the NCAA tournament, we are determined to compete at a higher level than the last time we were in this position. Results aside, as a program our guys are excited to show our level of fight and compete at the national level. Houghton tennis has never been in a better position than we are in right now, and I am proud to say that I'm a Highlander."

The winner of the match will take on No. 11 Bowdoin College on Saturday. The regional also features host Williams College, Salem State and former Empire 8 power Stevens Institute of Technology.

The NCAA Championship will take place May 13-20 at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Fla.