LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's tennis team suffered a 5-2 setback to the University of West Florida in Gulf South Conference action, Sunday from the Vaughan Tennis Complex in the program's home opener.
West Florida moves to 5-4 and 3-1 in the league, while West Alabama falls to 2-5 and 1-1.
"The men had chances and battled today against a really good team. I think we continue to get better, and I hope we get to see West Florida down the road," said head coach
Jeff Beaman.
The Tigers got off to a strong start in double play, winning the point after clinching the first two flights. Coming down to the No. 2 position,
Wilson Igbinovia and
Eita Ishikawa fended off Sebastian Rondon ad Bernardo Costa in a 7-5 tiebreak to win the set.
Unfortunately, the momentum did not push to singles for UWA, as UWF won five of the six points to secure the victory. Villislav Bonev (3-3) earned the win at the No. 5 spot. After knocking off Mateo Martinez, 7-6 (4) in the first set, Bonev cruised to a 6-3 second set.
Despite the setback,
Nuutti Jokinen went to three sets with No. 67 Diego Duran.
The Tigers will next prepare for Delta State on the road. First serve is slated for 2 p.m. in Cleveland, Mississippi.
