LOUISVILLE, Ky.--The Bellarmine Knights  men's  tennis team went down in defeat for the first time this year, losing 6-3 to Alabama at Huntsville  on Sunday in a non-conference match at Bellarmine's Sports, Recreation and Fitness Center.  The loss drops Bellarmine to 8-1 on the year.

Despite the loss, Bellarmine Coach Mican was very encouraged with the effort his team showed.  "The Chargers were the better team today, but we fought extremely hard and we know we can improve," he said.

After going down at number one and two doubles the big serving duo of freshman Nathan Walroth and sophomore Alan Gardiner came through with a huge win at number three doubles to keep the Knights in the match.  

 In singles Igal Mostkov had his hands full with the Chargers big lefty Jose Soto at number one falling 6-3, 6-3.  Anton Rabinov gave the Knights life again with a convincing 6-3, 6-1 win at number two singles while Jacob Knagenhjelm was locked in a battle at number three singles. Knagenhjelm eventually lost in a three hour contest after having a match point in the second set. 

 Jimmy Fernandez again gave the Knights some hope by winning at number five singles  6-2, 6-4. Carlos Antonioli would then go down at number four singles 6-4, 7-5, which gave the Huntsville Alabama squad their decisive fifth point.  Alan Gardiner, playing number six singles couldn't convert a match point in the third-set tie break and lost 5-7, 6-4, 11-9, making the final score Chargers 6, Knights 3.
 
 "Let's just say it would be a different story today had we converted two match points,” Mican said.  “But we didn't, so we tip our cap to the opponent and move on.  I am still proud of the effort the guys put in and the fight we displayed throughout the day."

“It was an intense college tennis atmosphere and this match will help us down the road as we get ready to begin the outdoor season,” Mican added.

Alabama-Huntsville 6, Bellarmine University 3
Feb 24, 2013 at Louisville, Ky. 

Singles competition

1. Jose Soto (UAH) def. Igal Mostkov (BU) 6-3, 6-3

2. Anton Rabinov (BU) def. Nestor Perez (UAH) 6-3, 6-1

3. Chris Kano (UAH) def. Jacob Knagenhjelm (BU) 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-3), 6-1

4. Fredrik Graaner (UAH) def. Carlos Antonioli (BU) 6-4, 7-5

5. Jimmy Fernandez (BU) def. Raphael Oliveria (UAH) 6-2, 6-4

6. Guihermo Reyes (UAH) def. Alan Gardiner (BU) 5-7, 6-4, 11-9

Doubles competition

1. Jose Soto/Nestor Perez (UAH) def. Igal Mostkov/Anton Rabinov (BU) 8-5

2. Raphael Oliveria/Chris Kano (UAH) def. Carlos Antonioli/Jacob Knagenhjelm (BU) 8-2

3. Alan Gardiner/Nathan Walroth (BU) def. Guihermo Reyes/Fredrik Graaner (UAH) 8-5

Match Notes

Bellarmine University 8-1