JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of South Alabama women's tennis team went 3-1 in singles Friday to open the UNF Classic.

Seniors Laura Matuskova (Bratislava, Solvakia) and Monica Mitta (Fairhope, Ala.) defeated opponents from Flagler College in three sets. Matuskova dropped Lizanne Jinkertz 6-0, 5-7, 6-4 and Mitta rallied against Mary Jo Nanti for a 5-7, 7-6, 7-5 win. Sophomore Alina Zolotareva (Barnaul, Russia) bested North Florida's Kinga Gartner 6-3, 1-6, 6-2. 

"It was a good day overall," said USA assistant coach Shayann Vaezzadeh. "It's always a good sign when we can outcompete opponents in three-set matches."

Sophomore Alexandria Stiteler (Bradenton, Fla.) and Zolotareva topped Troy's Sanae Ohta and Efriliya Herlina 8-6 in doubles. The pair also defeated UNF's Luise Intert and Quetzali Vazquez 8-7. Matuskova and Mitta won 8-5 over Nancy Karaky and Alicia Rodriguez of Troy. 

In other doubles action, Matuskova and Mitta fell to Irina Karangozishvili and Michelle Valdez 8-6. 

Earlier in singles, Sonja Larsen of Barry won 7-5, 6-3 over Stiteler.

"It's crucial for us to rest up, reset and compete at the same level tomorrow," Vaezzadeh said. "If we have the discipline to do that, a very good level of tennis will be waiting for us."

The Jaguars continue play Saturday.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

—USA—