HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – Northern Kentucky University Norse men's tennis duo Mateus Ranciaro and Joao Pimenta made history on Thursday, earning the first-ever national ranking since the Norse joined Division I. The duo came in at #35 in the rankings. 

"Joao and Mateus have had two excellent wins over Kentucky (#23) and Xavier," said head coach Brian Nester. "Their passion and skills on court helps our entire team."

Pimenta and Ranciaro are 2-0 to start 2026, earning a pair of victories over then #35-ranked Kentucky duo Eli Stephenson and Jack Loutit, and Xavier's Nick Herdoiza and Max Pettingell. Both victories came in the #1 slot, as the Norse duo took down the Musketeer pair 6-3 and the Wildcat pair 6-4. The Wildcat doubles team has since been elevated to #23 in the country in this week's rankings.

Pimenta, Ranciaro, and the Norse are back in action on Friday morning, taking on St. Bonaventure at 9 AM at Five Seasons Sports Club in Crestview Hills.

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