New Albany, IN – The University of Pikeville men's tennis team picked up their first win of the season Saturday afternoon on the road at Indiana University Southeast, 5-2.

Juan Diego Alzate and Mirko Dedich both moved to 3-0 in singles play. Valentin Ortiz picked up his second singles win while Martin Lorenzo and Fernando Proano both earned their first singles wins of the season. Dedich and Alzate gave the Bears their first doubles win this season despite losing the point. UPIKE moves to 1-2 this year and will be back in action on Thursday afternoon.

How It Happened
As mentioned, the Grenadiers won the doubles point after taking the final match when it was tied 1-1.

In singles play, the Bears won five of the six matches to win the dual. Proano got things started at No. 6 with a 6-3, 6-4 sweep before Ortiz dominated 6-1, 6-2 at No. 1. Dedich then won 6-1, 7-6 (5) to give UPIKE a 3-1 lead and put them one win away from the match win. They got it with a victory at No. 5 from Lorenzo (6-3, 6-2). Alzate picked up the win at No. 2 after the match had been decided, 6-1, 7-6 (3).

What's Up Next
As mentioned, the Bears return to action on Thursday, March 3rd where they host Brescia University in their home opener at the newly renovated courts at Bob Amos Complex with a 3:00 p.m. start. They beat the Bearcats 9-0 in their last meeting in 2017.