HOUSTON, Texas – Sophomore Leon Nickel recorded a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Rice's Arthus de la Bassetiere but the Owls were too strong Friday knocking off Lamar, 6-1, at the George R. Brown Tennis Center.
 
Nickel, who picked up his second win of the season and first at the No. 1 position, was dominant in helping the Cardinals cut into the Owls' early 2-0 lead. After outlasting de la Bassetiere, 7-5, in the first set he left no doubt in the second closing out the match with a 6-1 decision.
 
With the Cardinals back within a single point, LU was looking to pull even at court No. 2 as freshman Fabian Anthin was headed to a third set against Emir Sendogan. Unfortunately, the Cardinals were unable to take victories on any of the other singles courts despite forcing a third set on line 2 and tiebreak sets on courts 3 and 4.
 
The Cardinals (5-4) now turn their attention to a doubleheader against Collin College Sunday. The match was originally scheduled for a Saturday start time but was moved to Sunday to accommodate for the expected rain in the area. The first match of the doubleheader is slated for a 10 a.m. start from the Thompson Family Tennis Center followed by the second at 2 p.m.