AUBURN, Ala. – University of South Alabama sophomore Daniel Leitner (Niederfischbach, Germany) won in straight sets and senior Cody Hall (Albuquerque, N.M.) and sophomore Blake Gregor (Griffith, New South Wales, Australia) teamed up for a victory in doubles Thursday on the first day of the USTA/ITA Southern Regional Championships hosted by Auburn.

The Jaguars posted a 1-3 record in singles on the afternoon but emerged victorious in their only doubles outing.

“Today was a tough day for our Jags,” USA head coach Nick Brochu said. “We played hard, but fell short in some of our matches.”

Leitner, seeded 11th, picked up his win in the second round after a first round bye. He defeated Alex Sajonz of Samford 6-3, 7-5.

Gregor and Hall moved on to the 2nd round with an 8-2 victory over Anas Rouchdi and Daniel Bustamante of Troy.

“That was another great win by our doubles team of Blake and Cody,” Brochu said. “They blended well and disposed of Troy losing only two games.”

Both Hall and Gregor fell in straight sets in first-round singles matchups. Hall lost 6-1, 6-2 to Romain Bogaerts of Mississippi State and Garrison Laduca moved on past Gregor 6-3, 6-3.

“The day started indoors because of the rain and I think Blake and Cody had a hard time adapting,” noted Brochu. “I think they would have had a better chance playing outdoors.”

USA junior Shayann Vaezzadeh (Bavent, France), playing in the second round, won the first set 7-5, but eventually lost in three sets to Mississippi State’s Jordan Angus 5-7, 6-2, 6-0.

“Shayann's legs gave up and he could not keep up the pace in the third set,” said Brochu.

All four Jaguars will be in action tomorrow, starting at 8:30 a.m.

“Tomorrow will be another tough day,” stated Brochu. “We possibly have seven singles matches and more doubles play. We have to stay focused and play hard.”

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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