CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. — Drake men's tennis extended its winning streak to 10 matches Saturday evening with a 5-2 victory over Northern Kentucky at Five Seasons Sports Club. The Bulldogs improved to 10-2 overall, while the Norse fell to 2-5.

Northern Kentucky claimed the doubles point with wins at No. 3 and No. 1. The Norse's top pairing of Mateus Vidaller and Joao Pimenta — ranked No. 35 nationally — edged Ulysse Verrando and Adan Tarquino in a tiebreak, 7-6 (3-0), at the No. 1 position. NKU also secured a 6-2 win on court three, while the No. 2 doubles match was left unfinished at 6-6.

"I knew we were going to be tested in this match with doubles from the beginning from NKU as they are very well coached," Drake head coach Justin Stuckey said. "We had several chances to still get the doubles point. I was very proud of how we responded quickly in singles to take back control of the match."

Drake responded emphatically in singles play, winning five of six matches to secure the comeback victory.

Ben Johnson put the Bulldogs on the board first with a dominant 6-0, 6-3 win at No. 3 singles. Sam Melaga followed with a 6-3, 6-1 victory at No. 4 to give Drake a 2-1 lead.

Northern Kentucky earned its second point at No. 1 singles, but Drake took control down the stretch. Jose Hernandez delivered a straight-set win at No. 5, defeating Vidaller, 6-4, 6-3.

Alan Gonzalez produced a key performance at No. 2 singles, winning a first-set tiebreak before pulling away for a 7-6 (10-4), 6-1 victory over Joao Pimenta to give Drake its fourth point.

Arin Menon sealed the match at No. 6 singles, battling back after dropping the second set to defeat Arnau Puig, 7-5, 1-6, 6-2.

The victory marks Drake's 10th consecutive win as the Bulldogs continue to build momentum heading into March.

Drake will return home Wednesday, March 4, to host Oral Roberts at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center.

Singles Competition

1. Emilio Bravo (NKU) def. Christian Winstead (DU) 7-6 (10-4), 6-1
2. Alan Gonzalez (DU) def. Joao Pimenta (NKU) 7-6 (10-4), 6-1
3. Ben Johnson (DU) def. Jackson Poulos (NKU) 6-0, 6-3
4. Sam Melaga (DU) def. Hector Salvador (NKU) 6-3, 6-1
5. Jose Hernandez (DU) def. Mateus Vidaller (NKU) 6-4, 6-3                                                      
      6. Arin Menon (DU) def. Arnau Puig (NKU) 7-5, 1-6, 6-2

Doubles Competition

1. #35 Vidaller/Pimenta (NKU) def. Verrando/Tarquino (DU) 7-6 (3-0)
2. Poulos/Bravo (NKU) vs. Gonzalez/Johnson (DU) 6-6, unfinished
3. Salvador/Fowler (NKU) def. Menon/Yeager (DU) 6-2