Complete Results

MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama men's tennis team junior Manuel Belda (Posadas, Misiones, Argentina) accounted for two points, including a straight-sets win at No. 1 to clinch the match in the Jaguars' 6-1 victory over Alabama State Saturday at the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Tennis Courts.

With their third straight win, USA improved to 4-2 overall, while ASU dropped to 0-2 in their spring season.

"Our goal today was the same as yesterday," said USA head coach Nick Brochu. "We had to show a lot of energy in doubles to make sure that they knew we were going to be very aggressive from the beginning and not give them any chances. I thought we did that on two courts in doubles. We communicated well and hit the target at the right time and that's why we won quickly on those two courts. I think it was even better moving into singles. The guys showed a lot of emotion. We got a lot of breaks early in the match and we were able to carry on that momentum that we established in the first set. I think overall it was a very good win today."

Belda teamed up with sophomore Quincy Olij (Alkmaar, Netherlands) to secure the doubles point with a 6-2 win over Adam Coyne and Ronald Mataba at the No. 1 spot. Belda later topped Mataba 6-1, 6-5 (7-2).

"I thought Manuel's performance today was pretty impressive," said Brochu. "We knew he could play at No. 1, but having the potential to play at No. 1 and actually playing at No. 1 are two very different things. Today he showed a lot of composure. He was focused and was able to hit the targets. I am very glad he won the match in two sets."

Senior Shayann Vaezzadeh (Bavent, France) and freshman Tuki Jacobs (Windhoek, Namibia) picked up the first win of the day with their 6-2 victory over Jarred Thompson and Dylan Cleary at No. 3 doubles. Takura Mlambo and Divijay Singh Narvka defeated sophomores Juan Troglia (Mendoza, Argentina) and Gerhard Gruindelingh (Pretoria, South Africa) 6-3 at No. 2.

In singles action, Vaezzadeh downed Mlambo 6-0, 6-2 in the No. 4 flight, followed by Gruindelingh's 6-4, 6-3 win over Narvka on the No. 3 court, putting the Jaguars up 3-0.

"Having a guy like Shayann being so consistent is always good to see," said Brochu. "We don't want to say he's a sure point, but when he plays like he did today it gives everyone confidence."

Jacobs outlasted Coyne 6-2, 6-3 at the No. 2 spot. Troglia added another point when he edged Stefan Vojnic 6-0, 5-6 (0-7), (10-8) at No. 5. Cleary claimed the only point for the Hornets when he topped Olij 4-6, 6-3, (10-7).

"Tuki played very well today," said Brochu. "He has been a little on and off lately, but today his forehand was on, he was hitting the ball really hard and it was good to see that. He was very assertive on the court."

South Alabama returns to action Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. when they host North Florida.

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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