CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky men's tennis program improved to 5-3 this season after defeating Saint Louis at home, 4-1. The Billikens drop to 5-7 on the year. 

"Excellent win over a very tough team," said head coach Brian Nester. "After the heartbreaking loss last night to Dayton, the men bounced back and excelled."

Match Notables

• The Norse started the evening capturing the doubles point as victories from Trevor Ball / Brandon Ponomarew and Emilien Burnel / Santiago Casamayor fueled Northern Kentucky heading into singles action. 
• Jorge Rodriguez, Burnel and Ponomarew all earned singles wins tonight, helping the Norse secure the 4-1 win over Saint Louis.
• Rodriguez went on to defeat Ryota Rukushima 6-4, 6-4, Burnel took down Oscar Alvarez 6-3, 6-3 and Ponomarew cameback to beat Theo Ortis 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.
   

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Northern Kentucky 4, Saint Louis 1
Doubles

1. Emilien Burnel / Santiago Casamayor (NKU) def. Oscar Alvarez / Adam Behun (STL) 7-6
2. Ryota Fukushima / Theo Ortis (STL)  def. Tom Berry / Jorge Rodriguez (NKU) 6-4
3. Brandon Ponomarew / Trevor Ball (NKU) def. Jonathan Sadowski / Eliott Ekindi (STL) 6-2

Order of Finish: 3, 2, 1
 

Singles

1. Emilien Burnel (NKU) def. Oscar Alvarez (STL) 6-3, 6-3
2. Jorge Rodriguez (NKU) def. Ryota Fukushima (STL) 6-4, 6-4
3. Brandon Ponomarew (NKU) def. Theo Ortis (STL) 4-6, 6-1, 6-2
4. Eliott Ekindi (STL) def. Tom Berry (NKU) 6-4, 7-5
5. Trevor Ball (NKU) vs. Adam Behun (STL) 4-1, unfinished
6. Santiago Casamayor (NKU) vs. Pavel Badaiants (STL) 1-0, unfinished

Order of Finish: 1, 2, 4, 3, - -

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Next Up
The Northern Kentucky men's team will hit the court next on Saturday, March 19 as Horizon League play will begin against IUPUI. NKU will host the Jaguars to kick-off conference action beginning at 1 p.m. (ET).