INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indianapolis men's tennis team opened Horizon League play with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Cleveland State on Saturday at the West Indy Racquet Club, marking the Jaguars' first win over the Vikings since 2022.
 
The Jaguars secured the doubles point to take early momentum, winning at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. The tandem of Owen Nguyen and Cameron Kryscio edged their opponents in a tiebreak, 7-6 (7-5), while Eli Mercer and Pumiphat Sukkho earned a decisive 6-3 win to clinch the point.
 
In singles play, IU Indy picked up three key victories to reach the four-point mark. Nguyen delivered a straight-set win at No. 2 singles, 7-5, 6-3, and Kryscio followed with a 6-4, 6-4 decision at the No. 4 position. Sukkho turned in a strong performance at No. 5 singles with a 6-4, 6-1 win to secure the match.
 
Cleveland State pushed the match to the brink with wins at No. 1, No. 3 and No. 6 singles, including a three-set battle at the No. 3 spot, but the Jaguars' depth ultimately prevailed.
 
With the victory, IU Indianapolis opens conference play with a 1-0 mark and gains an early statement win in Horizon League competition.
 
The Jaguars will continue Horizon League play when they host Youngstown State tomorrow, March 22.