CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. -- The University of Pikeville men's tennis team opened its 2018 season with an 8-1 loss at NCAA Div. I Northern Kentucky on Saturday night.
Bailey Horne and Andres Alvarez combined at No. 1 doubles for a 6-2 win against Blaine Carr and Chris Murray, but that was it for wins against the Norse.
"I'm very proud of the guys with this being our first match," said UPIKE head coach Ben Adams, who is in his second season at the helm. "We played aggressively from start to finish. I have to give the game ball to Bailey and Andres for getting the doubles win against an NCAA Div. I opponent. Playing against a tough team like this will help us continue to train and compete at a high level.
"I appreciate the hospitality shown by NKU's Coach Nester and Coach Barone, it was a fantastic experience for our team."
Horne went on to give a valiant effort at the top singles spot where he came up short against Andrew Niehaus 6-2, 6-3. Alvarez lost his first set at second single 6-0 against Carr before bouncing back for a 6-4 loss in the second set.
At the No. 2 doubles spot, UPIKE's Devon Sgubin and Hassan Haider lost 6-2 to Felipe Hidalgo and Nicholas Elleman.
The Bears opened play down 2-0 after taking forfeit losses at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles.
UP NEXT
UPIKE heads to Johnson in Knoxville, Tenn., at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday.
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