EKU POSTS COME-FROM-BEHIND WIN OVER MEN’S TENNIS, 4-3

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RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky pushed its winning streak to five in a row by holding off a singles comeback by Radford to defeat the Highlanders, 4-3, Sunday in nonconference men's tennis action at Coach Tom Higgins Tennis Courts.

Eastern Kentucky (11-5) would take an early lead after clinching the doubles point, and then push its lead to 2-0 after EKU's Florian Graskamp secured a 6-3, 6-1 triumph over Janken Thoen at No. 5 singles.

Radford (2-7) began its rally behind senior stalwart Patrick O'Keefe, who won his fifth straight singles decision. The Salem, Va., native downed Daridge Saidi in straight sets (6-1, 6-1).

Samuel Taylor delivered the equalizer at the No. 6, topping Colin Hart (6-3, 6-3). RU pushed in front on the strength of Jose Moreno Manzano's 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory over Juanjo de la Llera in the fourth slot. However, EKU responded by claiming points on courts two and three to post the come-from-behind win.

RU continues nonconference action Tuesday against North Carolina A&T. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Radford University Tennis Complex.

Eastern Kentucky (4) def. Radford (3)
Coach Tom Higgins Tennis Courts (Richmond, Ky.)
Sunday, March 22, 2015

Doubles competition
1. Patrick O'Keefe / Javier Waase (RU) led Diogo Soares / Ramon van Flymen (EKU), 7-5 (unfinished)
2. Alex Alvaro / Diego Asis (EKU) def. Janken Thoen / Jose Moreno Manzano (RU), 8-2
3. Justin Chanthalangsy / Matteo Giudici (EKU) def. Michiel Meekers / Nikhil Mannepalli (RU), 8-6

Order of finish: 2, 3*

Singles competition
1. Patrick O'Keefe (RU) def. Daridge Saidi (EKU), 6-1, 6-1
2. Sebastian Mueller (EKU) def. Nikhil Mannepalli (RU), 2-6, 6-1, 6-2
3. Diogo Soares (EKU) def. Michiel Meekers (RU), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
4. Jose Moreno Manzano (RU) def. Juanjo de la Llera (EKU), 7-6 (5), 6-2
5. Florian Graskamp (EKU) def. Janken Thoen (RU), 6-3, 6-1
6. Samuel Taylor (RU) def. Colin Hart (EKU), 6-3, 6-3

Order of finish: 5, 1, 6, 4, 2, 3*

Match Notes
Radford (2-7)
Eastern Kentucky (11-5)

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Players Mentioned

Patrick O'Keefe: 5' 11"; Senior

Samuel Taylor: 5' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore

Janken Thoen: 6' 1"; Sophomore

Javier Waase: 5' 9"; Senior

Michiel Meekers: 6' 4"; Freshman

Jose Moreno Manzano: 6' 1"; Freshman

Nikhil Mannepalli: 6' 0"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Patrick O'Keefe
: 5' 11"; Senior

Samuel Taylor
: 5' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore

Janken Thoen
: 6' 1"; Sophomore

Javier Waase
: 5' 9"; Senior

Michiel Meekers
: 6' 4"; Freshman

Jose Moreno Manzano
: 6' 1"; Freshman

Nikhil Mannepalli
: 6' 0"; Freshman