Alabama Men's Tennis Drops Match to No. 16 LSU
4/10/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
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The University of Alabama men’s tennis team fell to No. 16 LSU Sunday afternoon in Baton Rouge, La., 5-2.
The LSU Tigers (16-7, 4-6 SEC) jumped out early on Alabama (7-14, 0-10) 1-0 by winning the doubles point and clinched the win with three straight-set wins. Peter Richman clinched the Tigers’ victory by defeating Javier Bes at No. 4 singles, 6-3, 6-2.
“I thought we fought well today against a very good team,” head coach Billy Pate said, “unfortunately we just came up a bit short but I’m pleased with our effort today.”
Despite the loss, two Crimson Tide athletes pulled upsets Sunday as Alabama dominated the top two spots in the line-up. Joseph Jung (18-12, 6-4 SEC) won for the second time this weekend at No. 1 singles, this time defeating 61st-ranked Mark Growcott, 6-4, 6-4. Luigi D’Agord (23-18, 2-8 SEC) defeated 20th-ranked Ken Skupski, 6-3, 6-4 for his second win this spring over a ranked opponent.
“I’m happy for Joe and Luigi,” Pate said. “Luigi played better than he’s played in a while and picked up a great win over a very good opponent. Joe did the same. We need them to play that way every match.”
Alabama be back in action next week and will play three times against in-state schools. The Tide will play twice on Wednesday including its 2005 home finale. Alabama will play Samford at 1 p.m. and UAB at 6 p.m. Saturday Alabama will make a trip to play rival Auburn in Auburn, Ala. at 5 p.m.
“We’re excited to finally get back home and play in front of the home crowd this coming week and our guys are ready to go play Auburn on Saturday,” Pate said.
Tennis Match Results
Alabama vs LSU
Apr 10, 2005 at Baton Rouge, La.
#16 LSU 5, #74 Alabama 2
Singles competition:
1. #86 Joseph Jung (ALA) def. #61 Mark Growcott (LSU) 6-4, 6-4
2. #110 Luigi D'Agord (ALA) def. #20 Ken Skupski (LSU) 6-3, 6-4
3. Jason Hazley (LSU) def. Eric Molnar (ALA) 6-1, 6-1
4. Peter Richman (LSU) def. Javier Bes (ALA) 6-3, 6-2
5. Danny Bryan (LSU) def. Billy Mertz (ALA) 6-2, 6-4
6. Colt Gaston (LSU) def. Sammy Struyf (ALA) 6-2, 6-3
Doubles competition:
1. #7 Mark Growcott/Ken Skupski (LSU) def. Luigi D'Agord/Eric Molnar (ALA) 8-6
2. #39 Danny Bryan/Colt Gaston (LSU) def. Sammy Struyf/Javier Bes (ALA) 8-4
3. Peter Richman/Jason Hazley (LSU) def. Joseph Jung/Andrew Felsenthal (ALA) 8-6
Match Notes:
Alabama 7-14, 0-10 SEC; National ranking #74
LSU 16-7, 4-6 SEC; National ranking #16
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (6,3,4,2,5,1)
Doubles: (1), Singles (4)
