MOBILE, Ala. ? The University of South Alabama men’s tennis team dropped a close match to Stetson 4-3 at the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Tennis Courts, Sunday. The 58th ranked Jaguars moved to 2-4 on the year, while Stetson left Mobile 3-3.
“This was a disappointing match because I think we took Stetson lightly today.” head coach Nick Brochu said. “You have to give them credit though they fought hard and we didn’t.”
Unlike their win against Clemson Saturday, the Jaguars came up short in doubles play. USA had to concede at the number three position and the number one team of Jack Baker and Marek Sramek fell to Marcus Etcher and Filip Kricka, 8-2. The South Alabama duo of Robert Hodel and R.J. Nagel were able to pick up a win and increase their record to 4-1 on the year.
“We should have won the doubles point and playing with only two teams we can not afford to be flat in doubles,’” Brochu added.
Ninth ranked Jack Baker continued his strong play defeating Marcus Etcher, (6-2, 6-3). Baker improved his record to 4-1 in dual matches and 13-5 overall. Senior Robert Hodel made quick work of former Jaguar Filip Kricka (6-2, 6-2) and R.J. Nagel took down Joey Jones (7-6 (7-1), 6-3). The Hatters though were able to pick up the win by Serguei Boulanov defeated a determined freshman Aaron Krisan, (6-2, 4-6, 6-4) and Hicham Laalej beating Marek Sramek, (1-6. 7-6 (7-5), 6-3).
“The match came down to the number two position and Marek would be one of the guys we would want in that position anytime,” Brochu noted. “It has been a long weekend and now we need to regroup against Southern Miss. and play strong early.”
The Jaguars will hit the court again as they travel to Hattiesburg, Miss. to take on Southern Mississippi at 2 p.m., Tuesday.
No. 58 South Alabama 3 v.s. Stetson 4
February 24, 2008
Bruce David Lubel Tennis Center
Doubles
Order of Finish (3, 1,2)
1. Marcus Etcher and Filip Kricka (SU) def. Jack Baker and Marek Sramek (USA), 8-2 *
2. Robert Hodel and R.J. Nagel (USA) def. Serguei Boulanov and Joey Jones (SU), 8-5
3. Hiram Laalej and Gokay Celik (SU) win by default
Singles
Order of Finish (6, 4, 1, 3, 5, 2)
1. No. 9 Jack Baker (USA) def. Marcus Etcher (SU) (6-4, 6-1)
2. Hicham Laalej (SU) def. Marek Sramek (USA) (1-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 ) %
3. R.J. Nagel (USA) def. Joey Jones (SU) (7-6 (7-1), 6-3)
4. Robert Hodel (USA) def. Filip Kricka (SU) (6-2, 6-2)
5. Serguei Boulanov (SU) def. Aaron Krisan (USA) (6-2, 4-6, 6-4)
6. Christopher Swanteson (SU) wins by default
* Clinched Doubles Point
% Clinched Overall Match
