LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine men's tennis team competed in its second match of the spring season on Wednesday and fell to a strong Louisville squad by a final score of 6-1.

Despite the team loss, Knights freshman Matthew Nice picked up the first win in program history over a ranked player in Division I singles.  In the no. 4 slot, Nice battled with Louisville's Matthew Fung and won the match 6-3, 7-5.   Fung was ranked as the no. 61 singles player in the country according to ITA.  Nice's victory is also his first career win in the spring season.

Other ranked singles players for Louisville included no. 25 Natan Rodriguez at no. 1 singles, no. 36 Fabien Selle at no. 3 singles, and no. 42 Etienne Donnet at no. 2 singles.  The latter three ranked players for Louisville nabbed victories in their respective spots, along with Sergio Hernandez at no. 5 singles and Andre Steinbach at no. 6 singles. 

Eli Wood put up a strong fight against Steinbach, falling in three sets – 6-4, 5-7, 10-7. 

Along with the singles wins, Louisville took the doubles point, and came out with a 6-1 win.

"The guys bounced back after Saturday's tough loss with great fight and energy today," Knights Head Coach Will Davis said.  "I am very proud of them.  The goal is to now keep climbing the hill and not look back as we take on Michigan State. Matthew in his second team match created another first for our program.  We are very proud of him and look forward to his future."

Bellarmine will take on the Spartans of Michigan State in East Lansing on Saturday at 4:00 p.m

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