NORFOLK, Va. – The University of South Alabama men’s tennis team fell 6-1 to Virginia Commonwealth today in Norfolk, Va. in their last regular season matchup.

"We competed well today, but I could tell the guys were tired, physically and mentally,” USA head coach Nick Brochu said. “It has been a long season and injuries are now becoming an issue. We had three guys who were slowed down because of injuries today. VCU is a good team. In order to beat a good team, you have to play aggressive and stay on top of them every point. Our intensity was not there today."

Virginia Commonwealth came out strong winning all three doubles matches to secure the first point of the day. At No. 1 the Jaguar duo of Romain Bocaert and Hanno Bartsch dropped a tough 8-6 decision to the Rams’ Thibaut Charron and Krisztian Krocsko. Junior Lucas Viel paired with freshman Alexabdre Bernard on the No. 2 court falling to Tim Johannsen and Camill Salomon 8-3. VCU’s No. 3 tandem of Max Wennakoski and Filip Svensson defeated the Jags’ Dauw Kruger and Jairo Seur 8-4.

In singles action, Viel upped his record to 11-6 with his 6-2, 6-1 victory over Johannsen at the No. 2 spot.

"Lucas was very impressive today,” said Brochu. “He played great tennis and completely dominated his opponent. It is a great way to close the season for him."

At the No. 1 flight VCU’s 25th-ranked Carron defeated Bocaert in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. The Jaguars’ Kruger rallied from a one-set deficit, but ultimately fell 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), (10-5) to Svensson at the No. 5 position. The Rams also picked up straight-set victories at No. 3, No. 4 and No. 6 singles.

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).

-USA-