MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama men's tennis team heads on the road Saturday to face Southern Miss and hosts a double header on Sunday at the Mobile Tennis Center.
 
The Jags are coming off a home 6-1 victory over Charlotte Sunday, where freshman Lois Cloes (Remicourt, Belgium) picked up his second consecutive win in singles.
 
"We had a good match last Sunday at home," said USA head coach Nick Brochu. "The guys competed well and took care of business."
 
Saturday's match against USM will mark the seventh straight year the two teams will have faced off. In those years, the Jaguars hold a 5-2 record against the Eagles; however, Southern Miss took the last matchup 4-1 in their meeting last spring. The Eagles have opened this season 3-0, only dropping two points between the three matches.
 
"This Saturday will be a little more emotional, as we play our near rivals Southern Miss," Brochu said. "Their players have a never-give-up attitude. They are fighters, and even when we take the lead, it is never over. The doubles point could be vital against Southern Miss. They surprised us last year. We need to get ready better this year and not underestimate them."
 
On Sunday, USA will take on Florida A&M at 10:00 a.m. and Nicholls State at 2:30 p.m. The doubleheader will take place at the Mobile Tennis Center, and will also run along side a doubleheader with the Jags' women's tennis team.  The Jags have won the last five meetings with FAMU, including a 5-1 victory last season. The Rattlers started off this spring with a 2-6 record.
 
Sunday's match against Nicholls will be the Colonels' first of the season. The last time the Jags and the Colonels played, USA defeated NSU 6-1. Nicholls went 3-14 last spring.
 
"On Sunday, it will be nice to play at home," said Brochu. "We have a double header that will be a good physical test for our guys. The key will be to be aggressive and not let the matches drag more than needed."
 
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).