Hattiesburg, Miss. ? The University of South Alabama men’s tennis team fielded a full team for the first time in 13 matches and played with dominance as they downed Southern Mississippi, 5-2, March 26th. With the win the Jaguars moved back over the .500 mark to 8-7, while the Golden Eagles fell to 5-12 on the year.

Although the new doubles team of freshman Aaron Krisan and junior Michael O’Brien loss at the number-three position, USA was able to pick up the valuable first point at the one and two. All eight wins this season for South Alabama have come after they had won the first point of the match.

“Having a full team will help us in doubles play and takes a little pressure off all the guys and gives them a shot of confidence that I think will help,” head coach Nick Brochu said.

In singles action the top-four players continued their strong play as all four won in straight sets. 15th ranked Jack Baker made quick work of Andrew Poole, 6-0 6-3, while fellow senior Robert Hodel won in his first time playing at the no. 2 over Jan Burmeister, 6-3 6-2. Junior Marek Sramek and senior R.J. Nagel each picked up wins at the three and four to give USA the five total points.

“In singles play, I think the guys are playing unbelievable with the pressure they have dealt with having five guys,” Brochu noted. “ They have responded very well and especially the three seniors have been the leaders of the team.”

The Jaguars will now travel to Murfreesboro, Tenn. to compete against five fellow Sun Belt teams at the Sun Belt Shootout, April 5-6. Host Middle Tennessee, ULL, Denver, UALR and Troy will all be at the tournament less than two weeks from the conference tournament in Monroe, La, April 18-20.

“This is a time to make a statement and we have treat this weekend like the conference tournament,” Brochu added. “If you get a win over a team and play them again at the conference tourney you have a mental edge which always helps.”

Stayed tuned to usajaguars.com for all tournament results as the Jags look to defend their title and win their 18th conference championship.

South Alabama 5, Southern Miss 2
3/26/2008 at Hattiesburg, Miss. (Hattiesburg Country Club)

1. #15 Jack Baker (USAM) def. Andrew Poole (USMM) 6-0, 6-3
2. Robert Hodel (USAM) def. Jan Burmeister (USMM) 6-3, 6-2
3. #119 Marek Sramek (USAM) def. Oscar Machuca (USMM) 6-4, 6-0
4. R. J. Nagel (USAM) def. Diego Machuca (USMM) 7-5, 6-2
5. Markus Wessinghage (USMM) def. Aaron Krisan (USAM) 7-5, 6-2
6. Strate Krstevski (USMM) def. Micahel O'Brien (USAM) 6-1, 6-0



1. Jack Baker/R. J. Nagel (USAM) def. Jan Burmeister/Andrew Poole (USMM) 9-7
2. Robert Hodel/Marek Sramek (USAM) def. Diego Machuca/Markus Wessinghage (USMM) 8-6
3. Strate Krstevski/Oscar Machuca (USMM) def. Aaron Krisan/Michael O'Brien (USAM) 8-4

South Alabama 8-7
Southern Miss 5-12