LIVINGSTON, Ala. – After escaping with a trio of close wins in doubles, top-ranked West Florida went on to defeat West Alabama, 7-2, in Gulf South Conference men's tennis Friday at the Vaughan Tennis Complex.
 
West Florida improved to 2-0, 1-0 in GSC play. West Alabama is 3-2 and 0-1.
 
"This is a very good West Florida team, but we managed a couple of wins in singles," UWA coach Jeff Beaman said. "It's very hard to come out of doubles down 3-0, but especially hard against the No. 1 team in the nation."
 
West Alabama's wins came at No. 1 and No. 3 singles. Julius Kaverinen defeated Serdar Bojadjiev, 4-6, 7-6 (5-0), 11-9. Bojadjiev is ranked seventh in the nation and Kaverinen was forced to jump a spot to No. 1 singles following an injury to Honorio Fernandez in doubles play. Linus Holthey defeated Gerard Rodriguez 6-2, 6-2 at No. 3 singles.
 
"This is a big win for Julius," Beaman said. "He played well and hung in through a long match against one of the top players in the country."
 
The Tigers made the Argonauts battle to win the doubles points, with Bojadjiev and Nicolas Lecoutre defeating Kaverinen and Holthey 8-6 at No. 1. Alfonso Castellano and Nicholas Springer beat Andrii Stratiienko and Henrik Sinkko, 8-4, at No. 2. Lucas Sanchez and Robin Rafaitin outlasted Fernandez and Anton Lof, 9-7, at No. 3.
 
West Alabama remains in GSC play by hosting Alabama Huntsville Tuesday at 3 p.m. West Florida visits North Alabama Saturday at 10 a.m.
 
Tennis Match Results
 
#1 University of West Florida 7, West Alabama 2
Singles competition
1. Julius Kaverinen (UWA) def. #7 Serdar Bojadjiev (UWF) 4-6, 7-6 (5-0), 11-9
2. #40 Nicolas Lecoutre (UWF) def. Erick Nordblom (UWA) 6-1, 6-3
3. Linus Holthey (UWA) def. Gerard Rodriguez (UWF) 6-2, 6-2
4. Juan Cabrera (UWF) def. Andrii Stratiienko (UWA) 6-2, 6-2
5. Robin Rafaitin (UWF) def. Henrik Sinkko (UWA) 6-0, 6-2
6. Juan Motta (UWF) def. Anton Lof (UWA) 6-3, 6-1
 
Doubles competition
1. Serdar Bojadjiev/Nicolas Lecoutre (UWF) def. Julius Kaverinen/Linus Holthey (UWA) 8-6
2. Alfonso Castellano/Nicholas Springer (UWF) def. Andrii Stratiienko/Henrik Sinkko (UWA) 8-4
3. Lucas Sanchez/Robin Rafaitin (UWF) def. Honorio Fernandez/Anton Lof (UWA) 9-7
 
Match Notes:
University of West Florida 2-0, 1-0; National ranking #1; Regional ranking #1
West Alabama 3-2, 0-1
T-3:53 A-61