LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Another match, another crucial regional win for the Bellarmine University women's tennis team.

On Friday at the Eddie Weber Tennis Complex, the Knights opened Great Lakes Valley Conference play with a statement as they defeated Indianapolis 6-3.

Bellarmine (16-1, 1-0 GLVC), which is ranked 30th nationally and ninth in the Midwest Region, ran its winning streak to six after knocking off Indianapolis (11-5, 1-1), which is ranked 32nd nationally and first in the region. The Knights notched their third straight 6-3 victory over a regional foe after having previously beaten No. 8 Saginaw Valley State and No. 7 Missouri-St. Louis.

With her three-set victory (4-6, 6-4, 6-1) over Mara Hofstetter at No. 4 singles, senior Marissa Kovach tied Rebecca Porter for the program's all-time record for career wins with 110. Kovach's victory gave Bellarmine a 4-3 lead over UIndy, and senior Mairin Cotter clinched the match for the Knights with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Dana Olsen at No. 5.

As anticipated, the contest was highly competitive. Bellarmine gained a 2-1 lead after doubles play after sophomore Jennifer Skonieczny and freshman Ava Ratcliff won at No. 2 and seniors Cotter and Bess Fley were victorious at No. 3, both by scores of 8-4.

UIndy grabbed a 3-2 lead by winning at Nos. 1 and 2 singles, but sophomore Ashley Jonathan knotted the contest up with a convincing 6-1, 6-4 triumph at No. 3. Kovach then rallied at No. 4, Cotter swept at No. 5 and freshman Aubrey Smith won a tiebreaker at No. 6.

"It was an intense atmosphere from start to finish," Knights Coach John Mican said. "That was a great team win that came against a great opponent."

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