Complete Results
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The 52nd-ranked University of South Alabama men’s tennis team swept No. 56 St. John’s Sunday morning at the Ring Tennis Complex.
The Jaguars improve to 2-2 in their spring campaign, while the Red Storm drops to 0-4.
“Being an indoor team, we knew St. John’s would be very aggressive and try to finish the points fast,” said USA head coach Nick Brochu.
Sophomore Daniel Leitner (Niederfischbach, Germany) and freshman Juan Troglia (Mendoza, Argentina) paired up on the No. 1 court to take an 8-4 win over 52nd-ranked duo Vasko Mladenov and Hugo Morth. In the No. 2 flight, senior Alex Bernard (Soisy Sur Seine, France) and junior Shayann Vaezzadeh (Bavent, France) topped Valentin Mihai and Michael Lampa 8-5 to clinch the doubles point.
“Their strength is doubles and we knew that if we could win that point then we would break them mentally,” said Brochu. “We had a slow start in doubles, but we regrouped and dominated.”
The Jaguars’ first singles point came by forfeit on the No. 6 court. Freshman Gerhard Gruindelingh (Gauteng, South Africa) followed at No. 3 with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Morth.
Senior Cody Hall (Albuquerque, N.M.) secured the win for USA after defeating Mark Mozer 7-5, 6-1 at the No. 4 spot.
“Going into singles, the plan was to have long rallies and make them run,” said Brochu. “We were tougher and more physical than them. We worked hard on and off the court at practice and it showed today.”
Leitner added another point with a 7-5, 4-1 (Ret.) win over Mihai on the No. 1 court. Bernard rounded out the day when he outlasted Lampa 7-6 (6), 3-6 (10-4) at No. 2.
“I am proud of the guys for the way they competed this weekend,” said Brochu. “We can’t wait to come back to Mobile and play our first home match.”
South Alabama returns to action Wednesday when they host University of New Orleans at 1 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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