LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Defending NCAA Division II men's tennis national champion Columbus State handed West Alabama its first loss of the regular season Sunday at the Vaughan Tennis Complex, defeating the Tigers 6-1.
 
Currently ranked No. 2 in the nation, CSU improved its record to 5-1. No. 23 West Alabama dropped to 5-1.
 
With the Tigers and Cougars both winning doubles matches on Courts 3 and 2, respectively, the doubles point came down to the No. 1 pairings for both teams. Zach Whaanga and Alvaro Regalado defeated Julius Kaverinen and Linus Holthey, 7-5, to secure the point for CSU. Erik Nordblom and Ilari Vesanen beat Tommaso Schold and Arnold Kokulewski, 6-4, for West Alabama's only doubles victory.
 
Anton Lof defeated Matei Avram, 8-6, at No. 6 singles after the match had been decided for UWA's lone singles win.
 
"This was a tough match against a great team that was a lot closer than the final score indicates," UWA head coach Jeff Beaman said. "We need to learn from this and continue to grow as a team."
 
The trail doesn't get any less rocky for the Tigers as UWA travels to No. 4 West Florida Sunday. First serve is set for 10 a.m.
 
Singles competition
1. KP Pannu (CSU) def. Julius Kaverinen (UWA) 6-4, 2-6, 6-1
2. Zach Whaanga (CSU) def. Ilia Dehodiuk (UWA) 6-2, 7-5
3. Alvaro Regalado (CSU) def. Ilari Vesanen (UWA) 6-3, 6-3
4. Arnold Kokulewski (CSU) def. Linus Holthey (UWA) 6-4, 7-6 (3-0)
5. Tommaso Schold (CSU) def. Erik Nordblom (UWA) 6-4, 2-6, 10-4
6. Anton Lof (UWA) def. Matei Avram (CSU) 8-6
 
Doubles competition
1. Zach Whaanga/Alvaro Regalado (CSU) def. Julius Kaverinen/Linus Holthey (UWA) 7-5
2. KP Pannu/Matei Avram (CSU-M) def. Henrik Sinkko/Ilia Dehodiuk (UWA) 6-3
3. Erik Nordblom/Ilari Vesanen (UWA) def. Tommaso Schold/Arnold Kokulewski (CSU) 6-4
 
Match Notes:
Columbus State 5-1; National ranking #2
West Alabama 5-1; National ranking #23
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3,1); Singles (3,1,2,6,5,4)