Northern Kentucky’s men’s tennis will make a short trip south to Lexington, Kentucky, to open up the spring championship season on Friday, Jan. 19. First serve against Kentucky, which was receiving votes in the latest ITA Division I Men’s Tennis poll, is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET from Boone Tennis Complex.
The Wildcats had a busy fall season, sending players to a number of prestigious tournaments such as the Oracle ITA Masters, ITA All-American Championships and the ITA Fall Nationals. Senior Will Bushamuka and junior Ryotaro Matsumura have been the headliners of the UK squad for the past three seasons and are currently ranked No. 84 and 34, respectively. In doubles action, Trey Yates and Enzo Wallart team up for the No. 28 pairing in the nation.
The Norse faced the Wildcats on Feb. 5 last season, falling in a 4-0 decision. Mate Virag had a competitive match with Matsumura, pushing the 2016 Oracle ITA Masters national champion to extra games in the opening set before falling 6-3 in the second. Andrew Niehaus is the only Norse on the current roster to have faced Kentucky before, as he was pitted against Jake Stefanik in the No. 5 singles match that was abandoned after the Wildcats clinched their fourth point.
For more information on NKU men’s and women’s tennis program, follow the team on Twitter @NKUNorseTennis or at facebook.com/nkunorsetennis.
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Chloe Smith
Assistant Athletic Communications Director
Northern Kentucky University
