TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After qualifying for the ITA Division I Men's South Sectional Championship, South Alabama Men's Tennis senior Javier Montoya won a pair of matches to make it to the semifinal round of the consolation bracket.
 
"What a great tournament for Javi," said South Alabama head coach Nick Brochu. "He was the only player from a Group of 5 school at this tournament, but that didn't scare him at all. He just got stronger and stronger. He was very clutch. It was a great experience for Javi. As disappointed as he was when he came off the court, you could tell how proud of himself he was, and he should be. That was a great accomplishment going that far against all those Power 5 players. He will use this to motivate himself for his senior year."
 
Montoya started sectionals in the main draw round of 32 against Jeremy Jin from Florida. After the match moved inside due to weather, Jin defeated Montoya, 6-2, 6-2, to send Montoya to the consolation bracket.
 
Waiting for Montoya in the round of 16 in the consolation bracket was Richard Biagiotti from Georgia Tech, who Montoya defeated in straight sets by a score of 6-4, 6-4. That victory advanced Montoya to the quarterfinals where Georgia's number three player, Niels Ratiu, was waiting.
 
The quarterfinal was a tough match, but Montoya played well enough to come out on top 7-5, 6-4. That victory sent him to the semifinals to face Ryan Colby who also plays for the Bulldogs. Montoya took him to three sets, but ultimately fell 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 to end his run at sectionals.
 
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