FORT MYERS, Fla. — Bellarmine men's tennis saw its season come to a close Tuesday morning, dropping a tightly contested 4-3 decision to Austin Peay in the opening round of the ASUN Championship at the FGCU Tennis Complex. 

The Governors claimed the early momentum by securing the doubles point, taking victories at No. 1 and No. 2 to grab a 1-0 lead.  

Bellarmine responded in singles play with strong efforts across the lineup. Ryan Parkins evened the match with a three-set win at No. 4, battling back after dropping the second set to earn a 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 victory. Colby Berson followed with another comeback performance at No. 6, rallying after losing the opening set to win 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 and give the Knights a brief edge.  

Matthew Nice also delivered a key point at the top of the lineup, grinding out a three-set win at No. 1 singles to keep Bellarmine within striking distance in the tightly contested match.  

Austin Peay ultimately secured the deciding point with a three-set win at No. 5 singles, narrowly clinching the match and advancing in the tournament.  

Despite the result, the Knights battled throughout, with four singles matches extending to three sets. 

With the loss, Bellarmine concludes its season at 4-16. 

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