MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama men’s tennis team heads north for back-to-back matches against Old Dominion and No. 53 Virginia Commonwealth Monday and Tuesday in Newport News, Va.

“Last year we went there toward the end of the season and we were very exhausted,” said USA head coach Nick Brochu. “We ended up losing both matches. It really hurt because we were fully capable of winning both. We have to make sure that we stay aggressive and keep the pressure on those guys. Last year we were up against Old Dominion and then we got very passive and let them come back. The next day we started very strong against VCU and then we crumbled. This year we’re going up there and we have to make sure we show up ready to fight until the end.”

The Jags lead the all-time series with the ODU Monarchs 3-1 but are trailing the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 8-4. Last season USA was edged by Old Dominion 4-3 and dropped a 6-1 decision to VCU in Norfolk, Va.

After their 4-3 victory over Austin Peay on March 11 the Jaguars advanced their record to 4-3 in their spring campaign.

South Alabama is led by junior Romain Bocaert (Lille, France) who has tallied a 13-7 overall singles record this season and a 4-2 record in dual matches. Three of Bocaert’s four wins this spring came in straight sets.

Bocaert also leads the Jags in doubles recording a 10-5 overall record and a 4-3 record so far this spring. Bocaert is one half of the No. 34 doubles tandem in the country and the No. 4 duo in the Southern region.

The Jags’ first match of spring break will be against on Monday VCU who stands at 13-3. The Rams boast the No. 102 player in the country in Tim Johannsen. Johannsen is 17-4 in singles overall and 10-1 in dual matches. His only loss of the spring came to the ninth-ranked Henrique Cunha of No. 14 Duke.

South Alabama is slated to take on Old Dominion (12-3) on Tuesday. The Monarchs will match up with Robert Morris and St. Joseph’s before their bout with the Jaguars.

The Monarchs No. 1 singles player is Tobias Fanselow who is 14-1 so far this seasaon and 17-7 overall. Krzysztof Muzalewski is also 14-1 in spring action in the No. 3 flight. Fanselow and Muzalewski pair up to form ODU’s top doubles tandem. The duo is 15-3 overall and 13-2 in the No. 1 spot in dual matches.

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-