Complete Results

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The University of South Alabama men's tennis team narrowly claimed the doubles point then got two quick wins in singles en route to a 4-0 victory over Southern Illinois Friday at the Middle Tennessee Shootout.

The Jaguars, seeded second in the tournament, stop a three-match losing streak to improve to 9-7, while the Salukis drop to 5-11.

"That was a good win today," USA head coach Nick Brochu said. "The weather was cold and windy, but the guys stayed focused."

Senior Manuel Belda (Posadas, Misiones, Argentina) and junior Tim Srkala (Brno, Czech Republic) grabbed a 6-1 win at No. 2 doubles but a 6-3 defeat at No. 3 allowed SIU to pull even. Senior Daniel Leitner (Niederfischbach, Germany) and junior Gerhard Gruindelingh (Pretoria, South Africa), ranked No. 72 by the ITA, earned the point with a 7-6 victory at No. 1 over Michal Kianicka and Alex Pozo.

"Doubles was harder than last time we played them two weeks ago, but we won the important points," Brochu said. "Our No. 1 team came up with a big win clinching the doubles point for us."

Sophomore Tuki Jacobs (Windhoek, Namibia) and junior Juan Troglia (Mendoza, Argentina) bounced back from a doubles defeat to put the Jags up 3-0 with a pair of straight-sets victories in singles. Jacobs downed Pozo 6-4, 6-3 at No. 4, and Troglia topped Daniel Martinez 6-3, 6-4 at No. 3.

"Our bottom guys really took care of business and gave us three important points," Brochu said. "Juan stepped up playing at No. 3 today. It was a great mental achievement for him winning a big match for his teammates."

Gruindelingh finished off the sweep at No. 6, rallying from a first-set loss to drop Szymon Opieczonek 2-6, 6-1, 6-3.

"Between doubles and singles, we talked about not worrying if we are not playing as well as usual, just focus on the important points and get the 'W,'" Brochu stated. "It may not have been pretty today, but we took care of business. When playing three matches in three days like this weekend, it is important to win fast and seal the deal when you have the chance. You don't want to be there longer than needed."

The Jaguars move on to the semifinals where they will face the winner of DePaul-Southern Miss Saturday at 2 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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