PENSACOLA, Fla. - The University of West Alabama men's tennis team was defeated by No. 2 Valdosta State, 7-0, Friday.

West Alabama drops to 4-9 overall and 2-2 in Gulf South Conference play. Valdosta State advances to 10-2 and 3-0.

Wilson Igbinovia and Eita Ishikawa put up a strong effort in doubles play, taking the victory in the No. 2 flight after No. 40 Jan Skerbatis and Boruch Skierkier took the No. 3 flight, tying things up at one apiece.

However, Luca Mask and Christian Wedel clinched the doubles point for the Blazers with a 7-6 tiebreak win over Lucas Hammond and Jacob Tapia.  

The Blazers were dominant in singles play, winning all six points. Matteo Castellazzi clinched the match for VSU, defeating Tapia, 6-2, 6-2.

No. 52 Hammond put up a strong stand in the first flight in singles, taking No. 26 Luca Mask to three sets despite falling in a 10-point tiebreak in the deciding set.

"VSU is a very tough team that has a good shot of winning a national championship. We need to keep focusing on approaching the competition in the right way and good results will come," said head coach Jeff Beaman.

The Tigers will return home to Livingston on Wednesday as Montevallo comes to town. The first serve is set for 2 p.m.