Results

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama women's tennis team came back after losing the doubles point to beat Texas State 6-1 Friday afternoon at the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Tennis Courts.

With the victory, the Jaguars improved to 4-3 on the year, while the Bobcats dropped to 0-2.

"We started off bad in the doubles, but the first 45 minutes of singles was great," USA head coach Jaco Keyser said. "That's where you could see a lot of the talent and quality come out. There was a little bit of a drop off in an average finish, but it's a process and we're just trying to get better."

USA started doubles with a 6-0 victory from Alina Zolotareva (Barnaul, Russia) and Paula Sanchez (Bogota, Colombia) over Pippa Carr and Ammaarah Tim at No. 3. However, Texas State won the two remaining doubles contests to secure the doubles point. Yadria Rubio and Ana Perez defeated Laura Valkova (Piestany, Slovakia) and Michaela Meszarosova (Bratislava, Slovakia) 6-2 at No. 1, and Eva Dench and Katy Collins won 6-4 over Alexandria Stiteler (Bradenton, Fla.) and Monica Mitta (Fairhope, Ala.) at No. 2.

The Jaguars opened singles with a 6-0, 6-0 win from Stiteler over Rubio at No. 1. At No. 5, Meszarosova dropped Perez 6-1, 6-2, and at No. 6, Cinta Maria Papke (Flein, Germany) defeated Tim 6-2, 6-2.

Valkova clinched the victory for the Jaguars at No. 2 with a 6-2, 7-6 win over Dench.

"It was just high percentage and good basics," said Keyser. "Early in the point we made good decisions, and from there we let the points develop, compared to the doubles where we just couldn't gain any traction and execute anything."

To end the day, Mitta beat Carr 6-2, 7-6 at No. 3, and Zolotareva bested Collins 6-4, 6-3 at No. 4.

"The thing about this team is the upside is huge," Keyser said. "There's always something I can complain about, but the spirit and intent is good. As long as that is there then I know we will maximize potential eventually."

The Jaguars return to action Sunday to take on Nicholls State at 11 a.m. in Mobile.

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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