DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Eastern Kentucky University men's tennis team opened its outdoor schedule Sunday with a 5-2 victory at Bethune-Cookman.
 
Junior Alex Álvaro (No. 1), sophomore Diogo Soares (No. 3) and sophomore Sebastian Mueller (No. 4) all won their matches in straight sets. Soares was making his first appearance at No. 3 singles after playing the last few matches at the No. 4 spot. Senior Juanjo de la Llera also notched a three-set triumph at No. 5 singles.
 
"The guys grew up a lot from that tough loss to Samford last week," EKU head coach Rob Oertel said. "This was a big step for them and I think we have the potential to be a better outdoor team than indoor one. Hopefully we can keep this rolling."
 
In doubles, sophomore Diego Asis and junior Florian Graskamp were paired together for the first time this spring. The duo tallied a 6-3 win at No. 3 doubles.
 
The Colonels wrap up their short Florida trip tomorrow with a match at Embry-Riddle. Match time is set for 3:30 p.m.
 
Eastern Kentucky 5, Bethune-Cookman 2
 
Singles
1. Alex Álvaro (EKU) def. Alexander Chepik (BCU) 6-1, 6-1
2. Walid Gtari (BCU) def. Ramon van Flymen (EKU) 3-6, 7-6, 6-4
3. Diogo Soares (EKU) def. Kevin Deligny (BCU) 6-0, 7-5
4. Sebastian Mueller (EKU) def. Greg Almeida (BCU) 6-2, 6-4
5. Juanjo de la Llera (EKU) def. Alvaro Barrera (BCU) 4-6, 6-3, (10-3)
6. Diego Garavito (BCU) def. Florian Graskamp (EKU) 2-6, 6-3, (10-6)
 
Doubles
1. Álvaro/de la Llera (EKU) led Gtari/Deligny (BCU) 5-4 DNF
2. Soares/van Flymen (EKU) def. Chepik/Barrera (BCU) 6-2
3. Asis/Graskamp (EKU) def. Rotich/Garavito (BCU) 6-3
 
Match Notes: Eastern Kentucky (6-4); Bethune-Cookman (4-7)
Order of Finish: Doubles (3, 2*); Singles (1, 3, 4*, 2, 5, 6)