LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Western Kentucky topped Bellarmine University women's tennis 5-2 Monday in the Knights' season opener at the Eddie Weber Tennis Complex.
 
Starting out on the doubles end, Bellarmine battled but was not able to wrangle a win despite a close effort from Maja Kozerski and Ashley Jonathan, falling 6-4.
 
"We came out a little slow in doubles, but fought back and had some chances late to possibly get the point," Knights first-year head coach Brian Slack said.
 
Singles competition brought some high notes for Bellarmine.  Freshman Ekaterina Tikhonko earned a 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory against Cora-Lynn Von Dungern for WKU.  That follows up Tikhonko's strong fall when she posted a team-high four wins for BU. 
 
The other win for Bellarmine came from senior Madison Devillez, who rallied to beat Paolo Cortez in three sets (4-6, 6-4, 6-4) for her first Division I win.
 
"In singles, Ekaterina and Madison set the tone," Slack added.  "I am really proud of the work they have put in during the fall, and it showed today with them both getting wins.  I am proud of Ekaterina getting a win at the number one spot as a freshman.  Madison being a senior and seeing her work pay off with her first DI win is big for her confidence moving forward."

Bellarmine next hosts Marshall on Saturday at the Eddie Weber Tennis Complex beginning at 10:00 a.m.

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