MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama men’s tennis team dropped a tough match to No. 70 Illinois State 5-2 Thursday at the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Tennis Courts.

“I have to give credit to Illinois State,” USA head coach Nick Brochu said. “They really came out here and fought for it, we didn’t give it to them. They’re a team that nobody knows and they’re ranked now. Unfortunately, two out of our top three guys had food poisoning so we were definitely weaker today. Some guys on our team battled really hard, but all the credit goes to Illinois State.”

The Redbirds picked up the doubles point with wins at the No. 1 and No. 3 spots, but the Jaguars did not give up. South Alabama’s Christian Kuehne and Romain Bocaert defeated Alexander Pelaez and Michael Hobson 8-7 (8-6) on the No. 2 court.

In singles action the Jags’ Bocaert came out strong with a quick 6-1, 6-1 win over Filip Miljevic at the No. 1 spot to tie the match at 1-1. South Alabama freshman Alexandre Bernard retired trailing 6-2, 3-1 to Palaez at the No. 2 flight. At No. 5, Jaguar sophomore Dauw Kruger continued his win streak, now at seven matches, by defeating Skip Span 6-2, 2-6, 6-0.

Illinois State won the remaining singles points at the No. 3, No. 4 and No. 6 positions in straight sets. 

The Jags hit the road for a rematch against Florida Gulf Coast at 1 p.m. on March 16.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251)461-1USA(1872).

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