INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – A strong comeback brewed for the North Dakota men's tennis squad during singles action against IU Indy on Friday afternoon, but the rally came up short as the Fighting Hawks fell for the first time this season in a 4-3 nailbiter on the road.
 
Christos Alex and Walker Valentine teamed up for a convincing 6-2 win in doubles play from the No. 3 court, but the home team would quickly take a win from the top spot as the match on No. 2 came down to the wire. Eventually, IU Indy narrowed past North Dakota, 7-5, to secure the doubles point and the 1-0 lead.
 
Singles action kicked off through a top court victory for UND as Leo Galliano made quick work with his 6-2, 6-4 showing. Justin Ilic jumped into control early and cruised to a 6-2, 6-3 win from court No. 4 and Alex collected an all-out gritty 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 win from the No. 6 spot for the 2-1 North Dakota lead.
 
The home team came storming back in competitive fashion, stopping three individual rallies from the Fighting Hawks on the three remaining courts.
 
Kotaro Matsumura dropped a tight 3-6, 6-3, 5-7 match at the third court not long before Darrshan Suresh Kumar fell in a tough 6-4, 6-7, 4-6 battle from the second spot. All eyes flipped to the No. 5 court, where the final point still stood at risk. Walker Valentine forced a key second set, but ultimately lost a 6-7, 6-3, 5-7 nailbiter, pushing the Jags to a 4-3 win.  
 
Action will continue for the Fighting Hawks at Bellarmine at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning.

For more information on North Dakota men's tennis, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDmtennis.