LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's and women's tennis teams will host Tuskegee University on Friday, Feb. 8, at Vaughan Tennis Complex, with first serves set for 1 p.m. Both Tiger squads look to build on early-season performances as they continue non-conference play. UWA will then turn its attention to a matchup against Columbus State on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 1 p.m.
Men's Tennis
West Alabama's men's team (1-1) is coming off a competitive split to start the season, securing a victory over Spring Hill and falling to Alabama State. The Tigers claimed the doubles point in their win against Spring Hill, with strong performances from
Francisco Oliveira and
Afonso Portugal, along with
Federico Iturbe and
Jacob Tapia. Singles victories from Oliveira,
Tomas Almeida, Tapia, Iturbe, and
Vilislav Bonev sealed the match.
Tuskegee enters the matchup at 0-1, with singles wins from Kevin Eutsey, Tyler Ladge, and Zamani Moyo in their previous outing. The Golden Tigers' doubles teams struggled in their last match, dropping all three contests.
Key matchups to watch include Oliveira in Line One for UWA, as he looks to build on his strong showing against Spring Hill, and Moyo for Tuskegee, who picked up a solid singles win earlier in the season. Doubles play will also be crucial, as both teams aim to improve after early-season struggles in that category.
Columbus State's men's team (2-0) is coming off impressive victories, featuring strong singles performances from Daniel Hammond, Samer Al Tori, and Camilo Cano. Their doubles teams have also been dominant, with Sandrone and Peter leading the charge. The Tigers will need to be at their best to challenge a deep and talented Columbus State squad.
Women's Tennis
The UWA women's team (0-1) seeks its first win of the season after a narrow 3-4 loss to Alabama State. Strong individual performances came from
Alexa Milliam,
Valentina Mutilba, and
Shaira Rivera in singles play. However, the Tigers were unable to secure the doubles point, falling in all three contests.
Tuskegee's women's squad is also in search of its first win after dropping its season opener. UWA will look to capitalize on its singles depth, led by Rivera and Mutilba, while aiming to turn around its early struggles in doubles play.
Columbus State's women's team (2-0) has been dominant in early play, with key singles wins from Mariana Ramirez, Isadora Oliveira, and Majra Djokic. Their doubles teams have also performed well, with Ramirez and Markosov leading the way. UWA will need strong performances across the board to compete with Columbus State's experienced lineup.
With both squads looking for momentum, these home matches at Vaughan Tennis Complex will be a key test as UWA prepares for the grind of the spring season. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the Tigers as they take on the Golden Tigers and the Cougars at home.
