BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Following a 15-day break from action, Samford men's tennis team dropped a tough matchup with South Alabama, Sunday, by a score of 5-2.
 
BOX SCORE (PDF)
 
With the loss, the Bulldogs fall to 3-5 on the season, while South Alabama improves to 4-3. Despite the setback, head coach Rahim Esmail was pleased with his team's competitive effort during the match.
 
"Today was a tough match against a good South Alabama team," said Esmail. "They always compete hard, and I think both teams competed hard today. We did a good job in the doubles point today – we played with good energy and got off to a good start on all courts. Rossouw did a great job in singles today getting a very quality win. Both guys played pretty even throughout the match and it was a difference of a couple points at the end that made the difference. We could of done some things better today, but we will get back to work this week and be ready to compete again on Tuesday."
 
The Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead grabbing the double point as partners Victor Chaw and Jim Hendrix defeated Loïc Cloes and Clément Marzol, 6-4 and Eladio Fabregas and Harrison Williams def. Julien Evrard and Sébastien Collard, 6-2.
 
In singles, the Bulldogs picked up a win at the No. 1 slot as Rossouw Norval defeated Julien Evrard in a three-set thriller 5-7, 6-4, 7-5.
 
The Samford men's tennis team will be home once again on Tuesday, Feb. 23 where the Bulldogs will compete against Tennessee State. The match is set to start at 2 p.m. at the Samford Tennis Center.
 
SAMFORD 2 , SOUTH ALABAMA 5
Singles Competition

1. Rossouw Norval (SAM) def. Julien Evrard (USA) 5-7 6-4 7-5
2. Clément Marzol (USA) def. Victor Chaw 6-2 6-2 (SAM)
3. Loïc Cloes (USA) def. Eladio Fabregas 6-3 6-4 (SAM)
4. Sébastien Collard (USA) def. Jim Hendrix 6-4 7-5 (SAM)
5. Louis Delcour (USA) def. Matthew Gooch 6-4 6-0 (SAM)
6. Martin Bugaj (USA) def. Harrison Williams 7-5 7-5 (SAM)

Doubles Competition

1. Victor Chaw/Jim Hendrix (SAM) def. Loïc Cloes/Clément Marzol 6-4
2. Eladio Fabregas/Harrison Williams (SAM) def. Julien Evrard/Sébastien Collard 6-2 (USA)
3. Louis Delcour/Martin Bugaj (USA) def. Rossouw Norval/Matthew Gooch 7-5 (SAM)

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