Men's Tennis 4/1/2017 9:40:00 PM

UNA TENNIS SWEEPS ALABAMA A&M ON SENIOR DAY

FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama men's and women's tennis teams celebrated Senior Day on Saturday by sweeping Alabama A&M at home. The men's team posted a 9-0 victory while the UNA women won 8-1 at the UNA Tennis Complex.

After taking a 3-0 lead in doubles play, the UNA men won all six singles matches to complete the sweep and improve to 9-4 on the season.

With the early lead, Miguel Garcia increased the lead to 4-0 with a 6-1, 6-0 victory at No. 2 singles. Max Druppel then clinched the match for the Lions. Playing in his final home match of his career, the senior posted a 6-2, 6-0 win at the top spot to improve to 11-2 on the season.

UNA finished off the sweep with wins by Benjamin Poire (2-6, 6-4, 10-8 at No. 3), Ray Donovan (6-1, 6-2 at No. 4), Gustavo Girao (6-0, 6-0 at No. 5) and Taylor Ausbon (6-0, 6-1 at No. 6).

"The guys looked great after taking a few days off," said UNA head tennis coach Brice Bishop. "I'm always a little concerned during Spring Break following a few off days but they really looked sharp. It was great for Max to clinch the match on Senior Day. He was great out there today."

The UNA women's team overcame a slow start to post the impressive victory. Seniors Olivera Ngouabeu and Morgan Jose teamed together for the first time this year and controlled from the opening point in an 8-1 win at No. 3 doubles.

After the Bulldogs evened the score with a win at No. 1, Nina Linke and Claire DeGeorge gave the Lions a 2-1 advantage heading into singles play, winning 8-4 at No. 2 doubles.

Claudia Arroyo quickly made it 3-1 with a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 2 singles. Linke made it 4-1 with an equally impressive 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 3 singles.

Just like the men's match, the UNA women clinched with a won by a senior. At the top spot, Ngouabeu was able to get a won over A&M's Virag Hollos for the first time in her career. With a strong baseline game and several drop shots, she clinched the match for the Lions with a 6-3, 7-5 victory.

Donna Haycock made it 6-1 winning 6-1, 6-1 at No. 4, followed by DeGeorge, who posted a 7-5, 6-2 win at No. 5. Jose completed the win with a 6-2, 6-1 win at No. 6 singles.

"I'm so proud of Oli (Ngouabeu)," added Bishop. "That was as good as she has played all year. And for Morgan to be the last one to finish on Senior Day was fitting."

With the win, the UNA women improve to 8-5 on the season. Both UNA tennis teams will play at Bethel on Sunday. Match time is set for 2 p.m. on the BU campus in McKenzie, Tenn.

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Players Mentioned

Taylor Ausbon: Junior

Max Druppel: Senior

Miguel Garcia: Junior

Benjamin Poire: Graduate Student

Ray Donovan: Junior

Gustavo Girao: Freshman

Claudia Arroyo: Sophomore

Claire DeGeorge: Sophomore

Donna Haycock: Junior

Morgan Jose: Senior

Players Mentioned

Taylor Ausbon
: Junior

Max Druppel
: Senior

Miguel Garcia
: Junior

Benjamin Poire
: Graduate Student

Ray Donovan
: Junior

Gustavo Girao
: Freshman

Claudia Arroyo
: Sophomore

Claire DeGeorge
: Sophomore

Donna Haycock
: Junior

Morgan Jose
: Senior