Results

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Down 7-5 at No. 2 doubles, University of South Alabama’s team of senior Romain Bocaert (Lille, France) and junior Alex Bernard (Soisy Sur Seine, France) won the next four games to clinch the doubles point and help the Jaguars defeat No. 65 UAB Friday evening at George Ward Park.

The No. 59 Jaguars win for the sixth time in their last seven matches and defeat their fourth ranked opponent this season to improve to 15-5. The Blazers lose their third consecutive match and fall to 16-7.

“Today was a great win,” said USA head coach Nick Brochu. “We didn't play our best in doubles, but we fought hard and came back to win the doubles point, which was extremely important today. UAB is the type of team that can elevate their game if they take the lead and winning the doubles point would have given them a confidence boost.”

Bernard and Bocaert fell behind 5-2 and UAB served for the match at 7-5 before the Jags rallied to win the next four games.

“I'm so proud of Alex and Romain for coming back from two breaks down to win,” Brochu said.

USA kept the momentum going in singles and won the first set on five of the six courts. Senior Dauw Kruger (Pretoria, South Africa) added to the Jags’ total with a quick 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 6.

Bocaert rallied again in singles, winning the last five games in the second set on the No. 1 court to complete his 6-3, 7-5 win over Danny Manlow.

Junior Cody Hall (Albuquerque, N.M.) needed three sets to defeat Daniel Moser 6-4, 0-6, 6-3 at No. 4 to clinch the  match and freshman Daniel Leitner (Niederfischbach, Germany) added another win on the No. 3 court, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8).

“Once again, Daniel and Cody were solid as rocks,” Brochu said. “Cody stayed focused after dropping the second and sealed the victory for us.”

UAB earned a point at No. 5 but Bernard completed the win 6-3, 3-6, (10-5) at No. 2.

“In singles, we had a string start by winning five first sets,” Brochu said. “Give credit to UAB for fighting back in the second sets. We had to play from behind and fight harder, but our guys showed a lot of character.”

The Jags will play their second ranked opponent in as many matches tomorrow, taking on No. 33 Memphis.

“Today was a great victory and we look forward to carrying that momentum into tomorrow's match against an excellent Memphis team,” said Brochu.

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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