MIDLOTHIAN, Texas – No. 22 St. Mary's (Texas) won two of three doubles matches and then took three singles matches in straight sets to sneak by West Alabama, 5-4, in men's tennis Friday
 
The win improves the Rattlers to 3-1. West Alabama is 0-1 after its first completed match of the spring season. Weather prohibited the Tigers from finishing the scheduled season opener against Youngtown State last week.
 
"We came up just short in a tough match against a really good team" UWA coach Jeff Beaman said. "We were able to earn a win in No. 1 doubles against the No. 3 team in the nation. That is obviously a positive."
 
Julius Kaverinen and Linus Holthey earned the win at No. 1 doubles, but the Rattlers were able to capture the remaining two doubles points.
 
Kaverinen, Erik Nordblom and Anton Lof earned singles wins for the Tigers. Kaverinen was a 6-4, 3-6, 11-9 winner at No. 2 singles. Nordblom won 6-4, 6-2 at No. 4 and Lof was a 6-4, 0-6, 6-2 winner at No. 6.
 
West Alabama returns to the courts in Midlothian, Texas Saturday against St. Edwards. Match time is 10 a.m.