MURRAY, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University men’s tennis team picked up its second OVC win of the season Saturday thanks to a 6-1 victory over host Murray State. The Colonels improve to 11-8 overall and 2-0 in the OVC while the Racers fall to 6-7 and 3-1.

The doubles point came down to a tie-breaker at the No. 1 position. Sophomore Alex Das Izquierdo and freshman Carles Pons Escanilla prevailed over the Murray State team to give Eastern an early 1-0 lead.

Eastern Kentucky then wrapped up the match by sweeping the top three singles matches in straight sets. Freshman Carlos Valdenebro played his first match of the year at the No. 2 spot and defeated Murray State’s Luke Milicevic, 6-3, 6-2.

“The men are getting on a roll at the moment,” EKU head coach Rob Oertel said. “We seem to have a whole new belief and confidence in ourselves since beginning the outdoor season.”

The Colonels conclude their weekend excursion at Tennessee State tomorrow, March 29. Match time is set for 11 a.m.

Eastern Kentucky 6, Murray State 1

Singles
1. Alex Das Izquierdo (EKU) def. Ben Clos (MUR) 6-2, 6-4
2. Carlos Valdenebro (EKU) def. Luka Milicevic (MUR) 6-3, 6-2
3. Mel Segota (EKU) def. Renaldo Domoney (MUR) 6-3, 6-2
4. Niklas Schroeder (EKU) def. Jose Berardo (MUR) 7-5, 6-3
5. Jorge Caetano (MUR) def. Carles Pons Escanilla (EKU) 2-6, 6-0, (10-8)
6. Parul Verma (EKU) def. Mason Johnson (MUR) 6-2, 4-6, (10-1)

Doubles
1. Das Izquierdo/Pons Escanilla (EKU) def. Berardo/Clos (MUR) 9-8
2. Schroeder/Verma (EKU) def. Domoney/Milicevic (MUR) 8-5
3. Johnson/Semensin (MUR) def. Piriz/Valdenebro (EKU) 8-1

Order of Finish
Doubles: 3, 2, 1
Singles: 2, 3, 1*, 4, 5, 6