Northern Kentucky University’s men’s tennis team played against Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, on Wednesday evening. The Norse were coming off a recent 5-2 loss to Drake.
The team started the match with success in doubles play. Mateus Ranciaro and Joao Pimenta, ranked #32, secured a win at the top doubles spot with a 7-5 score. In the third doubles slot, Hector Salvador and Dugan Fowler also won their match 6-3, earning Northern Kentucky the doubles point.
In singles competition, Joao Pimenta was the only Norse player to claim victory, defeating Fernando Bulnes 6-4, 6-4. The remaining singles matches went to Eastern Kentucky players in straight sets.
Singles results included Nuno Pinheiro (EKU) defeating Emilio Bravo (NKU) 6-3, 6-1; Ilie Cazac (EKU) over Jackson Poulos (NKU) 6-1, 6-2; Joao Barreto (EKU) beating Hector Salvador (NKU) 6-3, 6-2; Adrian Contreras (EKU) topping Mateus Ranciaro (NKU) 6-0, 6-4; and Kartik Parhar (EKU) winning against Dugan Fowler (NKU) 6-1, 6-0.
In other doubles action, Pimenta and Mateus Vidaller defeated Marek Nano and Nuno Pinheiro of EKU by a score of 7-5. EKU’s Joao Barreto and Ilie Cazac beat Emilio Bravo and Jackson Poulos of NKU by a score of 6-3. Fowler and Salvador secured another win for NKU with a victory over Fernando Bulnes and Pepe Miralles of EKU by a score of 6-3.
Northern Kentucky will begin Horizon League play on March 20 when they face Cleveland State.
Fans can follow Northern Kentucky men’s tennis on social media platforms including Twitter (@NKUNorseTen), Instagram (@NKUNorseTennis), Facebook (nkunorsetennis), as well as YouTube via the NKU Norse channel.
