MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama women's tennis team will take on Jacksonville State (11 a.m.) and William Carey (3 p.m.) Saturday on the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Tennis Courts.
USA enters the match with a 1-0 record in their spring campaign after defeating Southern Miss 6-1 Sunday.
"Sunday was a good start to the season," said USA head coach Jaco Keyser. "There were a couple of good things, but plenty of things that we need to continue to work on in practice. Hopefully we got rid of some of the nerves and we'll be able to get a clear picture of our team this weekend."
Sophomore Emily Newton (Dothan, Ala.) accounted for two points in the Jaguars win over the Golden Eagles, with an 8-7 (7-3) win at No. 1 doubles and a straight sets win over Kate Lanier in the No. 1 singles flight.
"The match on Sunday showed me that we have a lot of good talent, but we're a little bit up and down," said Keyser. "We still make too many unforced errors and basic fundamental errors. Once we clean that up I think we can be a pretty competitive team."
South Alabama leads the all-time series with Jacksonville State 1-0. USA faced JSU for the first time last March and won 6-1. The Gamecocks enter the match with a 1-1 record after topping William Carey 5-2, but falling 5-2 to Nicholls State.
Sunday will mark the fourth meeting between South Alabama and William Carey. USA leads the all-time series 3-0. WCU posts a 1-1 mark in their spring season, falling 5-2 to Jacksonville State and winning 8-1 over Jackson State. The two teams faced off last February when the Jaguars defeated the Crusaders 5-2.
"This is a very important weekend for us," said Keyer. "It's not all about winning or losing, but seeing what level we are going to compete at, especially if these matches get drawn out. Seeing how well we will compete on a day to day basis is always a factor with a new team."
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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