South Alabama men’s tennis lost 7-0 to the University of Central Florida on March 10, dropping their overall record to 4-7.
The match was played in Orlando, where South Alabama struggled against UCF in both doubles and singles. In doubles play, the Jaguars were competitive at the top two positions but ultimately could not secure a win. The team of Abderrahman and Benchadroun from UCF defeated Accossatto and Yigin of South Alabama 6-4, while Hotze and Oliveira from UCF won over Frumholz and Raemdonck 6-3. The first doubles match between Colin/Dlimi (UCF) and Bouyacoub/Hannig (USA) was unfinished with UCF leading 5-4.
In singles competition, several matches were closely contested. Dlimi of UCF edged out Hannig of South Alabama in a three-set battle, winning 6-7 (3-7), 7-5, 10-4. Other singles matches saw straight-set victories for UCF players over their South Alabama opponents.
Head coach Nick Brochu said, “Very tough day. The temperature was in the upper 80’s which is something we haven’t seen yet this spring. We battled pretty good. I thought we played some good doubles. We were very competitive, especially at one and two. We were up a break at one point but couldn’t finish that match. Overall, very good doubles. In singles, some courts were very competitive and some courts we couldn’t hold our own. Some matches went quick. It was a question of momentum. The highlight of the day was definitely Braden. He was up a set and up 5-1 in the second, but then the heat got to him and he just ran out of juice and his body started shutting down. He was one game away from beating one of the top guys in the country. I’m proud of him for fighting through it.”
Looking ahead, South Alabama will face North Florida on Thursday, March 12 with first serve scheduled for 8:30 a.m., moved earlier due to expected inclement weather.
