MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama men's tennis team will compete in the Thomasville Classic Friday through Sunday to begin the fall season.

"Thomasville is the first tournament of the Fall and it's a good preparation for the rest of the season," said USA head coach Nick Brochu.

Florida State, West Florida, Mercer, Valdosta State, and Florida A&M will be competing alongside USA at the three-day event.

"They will play many matches over three days and the goal for fall tournaments is to gain as much experience in preparation for the spring," Brochu said.

The Jaguars will be sending returning players, senior Oliver Gingras (Quebec City, Quebec, Canada) and junior Lucas Gonzalez (Chateauroux, France), along with freshmen Santiago di Loreto and Nathan Fruh.

"It's also a good opportunity for our two freshmen to get some match experience and demonstrate how tough they are in tournaments," said Brochu.

Gonzalez finished last season with a 25-11 record in singles, while Gingras closed out the year 14-11.

Play begins Friday at 2:30 p.m.

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).

Join the Baseline Club, the tennis-specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All donations to the Baseline Club go directly to support the South Alabama men's and women's tennis programs. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/baselineclub

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