ORLANDO – The University of South Alabama's doubles team Loïc Cloes and Clément Marzol fell 6-4, 6-2 against No. 4 Adam Walton and Pat Harper of No.3 Tennessee Wednesday afternoon at the NCAA Doubles Championship at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla.

The fight began as the Jaguars earned the first point over the Volunteers in the first set. Walton and Harper took the lead over Cloes and Marzol, but the Jags were not far behind as they trailed by one point (5-4). The Volunteers then claimed the first set (6-4), but the Jaguars did not give up. Cloes and Marzol put their all in the second set but fell short (6-2) against Walton and Harper, leaving it all on the court.

"What a tough match," said Brochu. "Tennessee may have made three mistakes the entire match. They have extremely solid players, and it was a completely different match than yesterday. Yesterday, our opponents were extremely powerful, but not as consistent, so we were able to match our power today. Tennessee was all about finesse as they made us hit an extra three balls. They were precise on their targets and played a good doubles strategy. We had to adjust a little bit, but I thought we did a good job in the first set. We were making a comeback towards the end of the set. We missed two balls by maybe two inches, and if those would have gone in, we would've found ourselves at five-all, and it would've been a completely different match. Tennessee was moving so well and was aggressive at the net. We played a great match, and I am so proud of them for making it to the quarterfinals as they are now All-Americans."

Cloes and Marzol closed out their collegiate careers with an overall 12-3 doubles record as a pair and are now All-Americans.

Their journey began during their freshman year as roommates at South Alabama. Their chemistry on the courts was unbreakable over four years of being doubles partners. In the 2017-18 season, the doubles pair earned their first invitation to the 2018 NCAA Men's Tennis Doubles Championship. The following season, the duo participated in the 2018 ITA National Fall Championships and advanced to the championship match of the consolation round. Later that spring, Cloes and Marzol earned their first doubles victory over ranked opponents as they defeated formerly ranked No. 1 Nuno Borges and Strahinja Rakic of Mississippi State 6-2 on May 12, 2018, at the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre in Starkville, Miss.

"They started as freshmen, and they've been playing together for four years now," stated Brochu. "This isn't their first trip to the NCAA's. They've also been to the All-American and the Fall Nationals. They came close to their big break in the past, and now they're in the spotlight with a great story. They're a great representation of South Alabama Athletics, and I'm so proud of them. I'm going to miss them on and off the courts. I'm happy for their performance, and even with the loss, I know they'll walk with their heads high because it's quite an accomplishment." 

Over their five years with South Alabama, the 2021 graduates have earned three Sun Belt Championship rings, making three NCAA Team Championship appearances with their teammates and head coach Nick Brochu. To top off their collegiate careers, Cloes and Marzol became the first Jags since 2008 to win a first round at the NCAA Championship and the first Jaguars since 1998 to advance to the NCAA Championship Quarterfinals.

The men's tennis team created a brotherhood so strong between the two exceptional players that it was an honor to have the pair leave their mark in the USA history books for future generations to see.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the Baseline Club, the tennis-specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All donations to the Baseline Club go directly to support the South Alabama men's and women's tennis programs. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/baselineclub