Results

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – University of South Alabama freshman Mariya Krachok (Kiev, Ukraine) outlasted Southern Miss’ Alex Bradley at No. 6 singles to secure the Jags’ 4-3 win on the USM Tennis Courts Saturday.

USA improved to 12-4 in dual matches. USM fell to 2-15 in their spring campaign.

“We did a great job grinding out a win today,” said USA head coach Jaco Keyser. “We were a little bit rusty after a break in matches, but it’s always nice to figure out ways to win when the ‘A’ game is not there.”

The Jaguars swept all three of the doubles matches to secure the first point of the afternoon. The USA tandem of seniors Chané Hines (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Alina Volman (Lugansk, Ukraine) clinched the point with their 8-3 win over Kate Lanier and Frances Askew in the No. 1 flight.

South Alabama and Southern Miss traded the first four singles points.

Sophomore Emily Newton (Dothan, Ala.) put USA up 2-0 with her 6-0, (ret.) win over Moorea Williams on the No. 5 court.

 Elja van Berlo pulled USM even when she topped freshman Ramona Ghermani (Bad Wimpfen, Germany) 6-0, 6-1 at the No. 2 spot.

Freshman Mary Angela Martin (Mobile, Ala.) defeated Mackenzie Oskin 6-3, 6-0 in the No. 4 flight. Coats then dropped Volman 6-3, 6-4 at No. 1. Hines fell 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 to Lanier on the No. 3 court to tie the match at 3-3.

Krachok’s 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 win came next to lift the Jaguars to a 4-3 victory.

“Overall I felt we played great doubles and solid singles,” said Keyser. “For some reason, each year a person runs into a real strange match, but I am happy we could problem solve and figure out a way to come out on top and avoid the letdown.”

South Alabama returns to action April 4 when they host Troy at home at 2 p.m.

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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