MOBILE, Ala. – With a promising fall campaign under their belt, the University of South Alabama men’s tennis team will travel to Tallahassee, Fla. to commence their spring season.
The Jaguars will face Florida A&M Sunday at 1 p.m. CST and Florida State Monday at 8 a.m. CST.
“We start the season pretty strong this year,” said USA head coach Nick Brochu. “It’s probably one of the strongest starts we’ve had since I have been here. This weekend will be good preparation for the following weekend when we go to the ITA National Indoors.”
South Alabama leads the all-time series with Florida A&M 5-1. USA defeated FAMU 4-0 last February at home. The Rattlers dropped their season openers to Furman and Central Florida last Saturday.
“I think Florida A&M will be a tougher competitor this year,” said Brochu. “Last year we beat them fairly easily. They have some new guys this year, but so do we. At the beginning we’re going to have to learn how their new players are and how to play them. In the end, I think it’s going to come down to who has the biggest start and who wants it the most.”
Monday will mark the 18th meeting with Florida State. The Seminoles hold an 11-6 advantage in the series and have won the last two meetings.
“Florida State is always one of the top 50 teams in the country,” said Brochu. “We have to start the match very strong and aggressive. This match will be a big challenge.”
Team leaders senior Alex Bernard (Soisy Sur Seine, France) and sophomore Daniel Leitner (Niederfischbach, Germany) combined for a 12-4 record in singles and 8-3 in doubles throughout the fall season.
“The freshmen are definitely going to be nervous, so I’m counting on Alex and Daniel to talk to them and calm them down,” said Brochu. “Those two guys are going to be very key players in the beginning of the season.”
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).
—USA—
