Corpus Christi, TX ? The University of South Alabama men’s tennis team picked up its first win of the weekend at the HEB Invitational against Nebraska, 4-2, in Corpus Christi, TX, Saturday. USA is now, 3-6, on the young season, while the Huskers fell to 4-7.

Once again the doubles point proved to be the deciding factor into a Jaguar win. All three USA wins this season have come after the South Alabama netters won the coveted doubles points. Both match were tough matches as Jack Baker and Marek Sramek won, 9-7 and Robert Hodel and R.J. Nagel knocked off the Nebraska number twos, 9-8 (5).

“It was a good start in doubles for us and then we got a rain delay and when we came back we were leading so we had to keep the momentum going,” head Coach Nick Brochu said. “I think the win in doubles helped up play better in singles and for NU losing the point was a huge momentum killer.”

On the singles side, ninth ranked Baker knocked off David Bendheim, while Nagel and Hodel gained wins as well. After those three wins, the Jaguars had clinched the match before Marek Sramek’s match was called with Sramek leading in the third set. Freshman Aaron Krisan was the only Jag with a loss as Krisan was defeated by Renato Melo, 2-6, 6-1, 6-3.

“In Singles play, we played very well and we fought hard,” Brochu added. “Jack played very well at the tournament and especially today and he gave confidence to the other guys playing singles to close out the matches.”

The Jaguars will look to build on the win in Texas with a four-game home stand beginning with a match against Southeastern Louisiana, March 5th. The match against the Lions begins at 1 p.m. at the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Tennis Courts. All matches are free and open to the public, while all match results can be accessed at usajaguars.com


No. 62 South Alabama 4, Nebraska 2

Doubles
No. 1 Baker/Sramek (USA) def. Bendheim/Paar (NU), 9-7
No. 2 Hodel/Nagel (USA) def. Stahmer/Van Impe (NU), 9-8 (5)
No. 3 Boney/Schneider (NU) won by default

Singles
No. 1 Jack Baker (USA) def. David Bendheim (NU), 6-4, 6-1
No. 2 Marek Sramek (USA) leading Calin Paar (NU), 5-7, 6-2 4-1DNF
No. 3 Robert Hodel (USA) def. Hendrik Stahmer (NU), 7-5, 3-6, 6-2
No. 4 R.J. Nagel (USA) def. Francois Van Impe (NU), 4-6, 6-0, 6-0
No. 5 Renato Melo (NU) def. Aaron Krisan (USA), 2-6, 6-1, 6-3
No. 6 Taylor Boney (NU) won by default