LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama men's and women's tennis teams hit the road for a challenging weekend slate, traveling to Rome, Georgia for a pair of non-conference matchups hosted by University of North Georgia. The Tigers will open play against Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, March 21 at 1 p.m., before facing the host Nighthawks on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Men's Tennis Preview:
On the men's side, No. 31 West Alabama Tigers enter the weekend at 6-3 overall and 1-1 in Gulf South Conference play, looking to build momentum against two strong opponents. The Tigers have leaned on a balanced singles lineup, led by
Gabriel Garay, who holds a 5-3 dual record and has won two straight matches at the top position.
Federico Iturbe has also been a key contributor, posting a 5-1 mark this spring, including a perfect 3-0 record in the No. 4 spot.
In doubles, the tandem of
Jacob Tapia and
Federico Iturbe has been a steady force, earning a No. 30 national ranking while compiling a 6-3 overall record and riding a four-match winning streak. The duo's ability to secure the doubles point could prove crucial against a Nebraska-Kearney squad that enters 10-2 overall with an impressive .800 doubles winning percentage.
The Lopers feature nationally ranked talent, including Ivan Melnik (9-3) and Andy Brisdon (8-2) in singles, along with the No. 29 doubles pairing of Melnik and Brisdon, who are 9-2 overall. Nebraska-Kearney's depth is highlighted by a 52-19 combined singles record, presenting a tough early test for West Alabama.
Sunday's matchup will be an even steeper challenge as the Tigers face No. 14 North Georgia Nighthawks. North Georgia boasts one of the top singles players in the nation in Pedro Liborio, who is ranked No. 5 And remains unbeaten at 5-0 this spring. The Nighthawks also bring strong doubles play, led by the undefeated pairing of Marcos Castellanos and Franco Rebora (9-0), along with two nationally ranked duos.
Women's Tennis Preview:
On the women's side, No. 4 West Alabama Tigers (9-3, 1-1 GSC) will look to continue its strong season against two quality opponents. The Tigers are anchored by nationally ranked singles players
Shaira Rivera (No. 15) and
Alexa Milliam (No. 18). Rivera enters the weekend with a 7-5 dual record, including a 7-5 mark at the No. 1 position, while Milliam looks to bounce back and regain form despite a challenging start to the spring.
West Alabama's depth has been a major strength, highlighted by
Jenaila Prulla's perfect 9-0 record and
Nanoka Kazama's 8-1 mark, including a seven-match winning streak. The Tigers have compiled a 41-22 overall singles record and will rely on their consistency throughout the lineup.
In doubles, Rivera and Milliam have combined for a 6-2 overall record as a team and hold a No. 13 national rankings. Meanwhile, the pairing of Kazama and
Greta Zawels has been dominant as well, going 8-2 overall and riding a seven-match winning streak.
Nebraska-Kearney's women (6-3) will provide a solid opening test, led by Patricija Cechanaviciute, who is ranked No. 66 nationally and holds a 5-3 singles record. The Lopers have shown balance across the lineup with a 32-20 singles record and a .704 doubles winning percentage.
The weekend concludes against No. 7 North Georgia Nighthawks, one of the top teams in Division II. North Georgia features Anastasiia Opolska (No. 10) and Olesya Stokusova (No. 39), with Stokusova entering unbeaten at 11-0. The Nighthawks also boast about the No. 20 doubles team of Opolska and Stokusova, highlighting their strength at the top of the lineup.
With multiple ranked opponents on the schedule, the weekend presents a key opportunity for both West Alabama programs to test themselves against national competition and continue building toward conference play.
