Alabama Completes First Day of Play at SEC Indoors
1/16/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
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Alabama men's tennis players posted a two-and-two record at the opening day of play in the Southeastern Conference Indoor Championships in Atlanta, Ga. Thursday.
William Boyles downed Mississippi State's Matt Armstrong in a qualifying round in order to move into main draw play. He was then bounced by Kentucky's Karim Benmansour.
"William played pretty well," Alabama head coach Billy Pate said. "He was up 4-2 in the second set. (Benmansour) is one of the best players in the conference."
Meanwhile, Tide senior Michael Ray Pallares defeated Kentucky's Alex Hume in straight sets in the tournament's main draw and will play Vanderbilt's No. 1 player, Bobby Reynolds in the round of 32 on Friday. Alabama's Boyles and Brad Friedman will also commence doubles play.
"It will be a good challenge, and a tough challenge," Pate said. "(Pallares) is playing pretty well so we'll see how it goes. I thought the guys competed well today. We're looking forward to tomorrow."
Complete results for the Alabama players follow:
Qualifying Round
William Boyles (Ala) def. Matt Armstrong (MSU), 6-2, 6-3
Round of 64 Singles
Karim Benmansour (UK) def. William Boyles (Ala), 6-1, 6-4
Michael Ray Pallares (Ala) def. Alex Hume (UK), 6-2, 6-4
Matt Emery (UK) def. Brad Friedman (Ala) 6-2, 6-1
