Albuquerque, N.M. ? The University of South Alabama men’s tennis team dropped a tough loss to New Mexico, 5-2, at the Lobo Tennis Club, Friday. The Jaguars fell to 7-7 on the year, while the Lobos improved to 12-6 on the season.

“I have to credit to New Mexico because they really stepped up their game and played aggressive tennis today,” head coach Nick Brochu said. “We played a little defensive and we played a little behind so that cost us today.”

South Alabama was unable to get off to a quick start in doubles, as had been the case in the five-game winning streak, losing 3-0. Both South Alabama teams lost in the doubles portion of the match, the first time all season.

“In doubles we started very good, leading in both matches, but we got passive and that hurt us,” Brochu added.

In singles action, R.J. Nagel and Robert Hodel won their matches at the three and four position, but the Jaguars proved ineffective at the one, two and five spots.

“We just tried to play catch up in singles and we couldn’t do it on some courts,” Brochu noted. “We came to New Mexico wanting to come home with two wins, but we didn’t play up to our potential today.”

South Alabama will now head to Hattiesburg, Miss. to take on the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi, March 26^th. The match is at 2 p.m and final results can be accessed at usajaguars.com.

New Mexico 5 def. South Alabama 2

Singles, New Mexico wins 4-2

Order of Finish: 6,5,2,3,4,1

1. Max Jones def. No. 15 Jack Baker, 7-6 (6) 3-6 (10-8)

2. Jonny Parkes def. Marek Sramek, 6-2 6-4

3. Robert Hodel def. Graeme Kassautzki, 7-5 6-2

4. R.J. Nagel def. Chris Parks, 5-7 6-4 (10-4)

5. Kamil Pajkouski def. Aaron Krisan, 6-0 6-2

6. Derek Lynch won by default

Doubles

New Mexico wins 3-0 (1 point)

Order of Finish: 3,1,2

New Mexico wins 3-0

1. Jones/ Pajkouski def. Baker/Nagel, 8-4

2. Parks/Parkes def. Hodel/Sramek, 8-5

3. Bugby/Kassautzki won by default