LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The #17 University of West Alabama men's tennis team and the #5 UWA women's tennis team hit the road Monday, March 30, traveling to Columbus, Georgia for a key non-conference matchup against Columbus State at 1 p.m.
The UWA men (8-4, 1-1 GSC) enter the contest riding strong momentum behind a deep and balanced lineup. Federico Iturbe has been a standout in singles play, posting a 7-1 record and carrying a four-match winning streak, while Jacob Tapia leads the team with eight singles victories. Gabriel Garay has also contributed with a 5-3 record, including a recent two-match win streak.
In doubles, the Tigers have found consistency with the tandem of Tapia and Federico Iturbe, who are ranked #30 nationally and hold an 8-4 overall record. Meanwhile, the duo of Afonso Portugal and Maksim Goncharov has been dominant, compiling an 8-1 record and riding a six-match winning streak, giving UWA added depth across all courts.
The Tigers will be tested by a strong Columbus State squad ranked #5 nationally. The Cougars (9-1, 1-0 PBC) boast an impressive 40-15 singles record, led by Thomas Cardona (7-2), Andrea Sandrone (8-1), and Hugo Didier (6-3). Their doubles play has been equally strong, holding a 21-8 overall record, highlighted by the pairing of Sandrone and Elias Peter at 8-1.
On the women's side, UWA (11-3, 1-1 GSC) has been one of the nation's top teams this season, powered by a dominant singles lineup. Nanoka Kazama has been nearly unstoppable with a 10-1 record and a nine-match winning streak, while Jenaila Prulla remains unbeaten at 10-0. Shaira Rivera (8-5) and Alexa Milliam, both nationally ranked, continue to provide experience and leadership in the lineup.
In doubles competition, the Tigers have excelled with a 26-12 overall record. The nationally ranked duo of Milliam and Rivera (7-1) has been a key force, while Greta Zawels and Kazama have also impressed with an 8-2 mark and a seven-match winning streak.
Columbus State's women (6-3, 1-0 PBC), ranked #19 nationally, present another tough challenge. Nikoline Gullacksen leads the Cougars with a 7-2 singles record, while Isabell Ek and Laura Pesickova have each tallied seven wins. The Cougars also bring a strong doubles presence, combining for a 17-9 overall record.
Monday's matchup features four nationally ranked programs and presents a major early test as both UWA teams look to build momentum heading deeper into conference play.
