Northern Kentucky University men’s tennis team faced Drake University on Saturday evening in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. The Norse entered the match following a close defeat against Southern Indiana last weekend and were unable to secure a win, falling 5-2 to the Bulldogs.
The match began with doubles play, where Northern Kentucky’s #35-ranked pair Mateus Ranciaro and Joao Pimenta claimed victory in the top slot, winning 7-6 (3). In the third doubles slot, Hector Salvador and Dugan Fowler also earned a win for NKU with a 6-2 result. These performances allowed Northern Kentucky to secure the doubles point.
In singles competition, Emilio Bravo delivered a strong performance for NKU by defeating Christian Winstead of Drake in straight sets, 7-6 (10-4), 6-1 at the #1 position. However, Drake secured wins in the remaining singles matches. Alan Gonzalez defeated Joao Pimenta 7-6 (10-4), 6-1; Ben Johnson overcame Jackson Poulos 6-0, 6-3; Sam Melaga beat Hector Salvador 6-3, 6-1; Jose Hernandez won against Mateus Ranciaro 6-4, 6-3; and Arin Menon triumphed over Arnau Puig in three sets, finishing 7-5, 1-6, 6-2.
Fans can follow updates about Northern Kentucky’s NCAA Division I men’s and women’s tennis teams on social media platforms including Twitter (@NKUNorseTen), Instagram (@NKUNorseTennis), Facebook (nkunorsetennis), and YouTube (NKU Norse).
