Complete Results

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama women’s tennis team defeated Southern Miss 6-1 in their first match of the spring season Sunday at the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Tennis Courts.

USA improved to 1-0 overall, while USM fell to 0-3 in their spring campaign.

“It’s really nice to get a win, especially in our first match of the season,” said USA head coach Jaco Keyser. “We were a little jittery today and had a lot of nervous energy. I had to remind myself that we had four freshmen in the starting lineup for singles. I wanted all of the new girls to get their first match out of the way.”

The South Alabama tandem of sophomores Ramona Ghermani (Bad Wimpfen, Germany) and Mariya Krachok (Kiev, Ukraine) set the tone for the match downing Macie Case and Emily Nettles 8-1 on the No. 3 court. In the No. 1 flight sophomore Emily Newton (Dothan, Ala.) and freshman Michaela Meszarosova (Bratislava, Slovakia) clinched the doubles point with their 8-7 (7-3) victory over Kate Lanier and Lauren May.

In singles action, freshman Paula Sanchez (Bogota, Columbia) picked up a quick 6-0, 6-1 win over Case at No. 5, followed by freshman Sibela Gajer’s (Zagreb, Croatia) 6-2, 6-1 victory over Nettles on the No. 6 court.

Sophomore Mary Angela Martin (Mobile, Ala.) secured the match for the Jaguars downing May in straight sets 6-2, 6-1 in the No. 4 flight.

“As a whole we did some really good things today,” said Keyser. “I think we gathered a lot of information about the team today. We are definitely a work in progress and have plenty of work ahead of us.”

Newton defeated Lanier at the No. 1 spot 6-3, 6-3, while Meszarosova outlasted Elanor Grossman 6-2, 3-6, (10-5) at No. 3. Alexus Coats picked up the only win for the Golden Eagles after taking the win over freshman Cinta Papke (Flein, Germany) 6-4, 3-6, (10-8).

“I think with one match out of the way we have some reference points and helps us realize what we need to accomplish in practice,” said Keyser.

South Alabama returns to action Saturday when they host Jacksonville State at 11 a.m. and William Carey at 3 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).

—USA—