Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
MTSU Shootout
Salukis drop MTSU Shootout opener to Southern Alabama, 4-0
03/27/2015 | 12:00:00 | Men's Tennis
By Katja Sonkeng
SIUSalukis.com
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Salukis met the expected stiff competition on Day One of the MTSU Shootout as they faced nationally-ranked Southern Alabama for the second time this season, falling 4-0. Moving to the consolation bracket, SIU will take on either DePaul University or Southern Mississippi on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The Salukis are now 5-11 on the spring season.
The Salukis' fell into a 0-1 hole early after dropping the first two doubles matches. At the No.1 flight, Michal Kianicka and Alex Pozo put up a tough fight but were unable to make the final push, dropping their match, 7-6. SIU fell, 6-1, at the No. 2 spot, while Jonny Rigby and Szymon Opieczonek picked up the Salukis' only victory of the day with a 6-3 at No. 3.
The Salukis fell short in singles play, as all of the matches were either lost or unfinished. Jonny Rigby and Michal Kianicka battled with their opponents, sending their matches at No. 1 and No. 2 to third sets before they were discontinued.
"We fought hard, but came up short," head coach Dann Nelson said. "South Alabama is a good team and we gave them everything we had today, but they were just better than us. I feel like we played them tougher this time around."
The Salukis will return to the court for the first match of the consolation round Saturday at 10 a.m. on the Old Fort Courts.
"We must cut down on unforced errors and take advantage of opportunities," Nelson said.
Complete Results
Doubles
L: Daniel Leitner/Gerhard Gruindelingh (USA) def. Michal Kianicka/Alex Pozo (SIU) 7-6
L: Manuel Belda/Tim Srkala (USA) def. Daniel Martinez/Ransom Braaten (SIU) 6-1
W: Jonny Rigby/Szymon Opieczonek (SIU) def. Juan Troglia/Tuki Jacobs (USA) 6-3
Singles
DNF: Jonny Rigby (SIU) vs. Daniel Leitner (USA) 7-6, 5-0
DNF: Michal Kianicka (SIU) vs. Tim Srkala (USA) 6-2, 2-6, 2-5
L: Juan Troglia (USA) def. Daniel Martinez (SIU) 6-3, 6-4
L: Tuki Jacobs (USA) def. Alex Pozo (SIU) 6-4, 6-3
DNF: Manuel Belda (USA) def. Peter Molloy (SIU) 7-5, 2-3
L: Gerhard Gruindelingh (USA) def. Szymon Opieczonek (SIU) 2-6, 6-1, 6-3
L: Olivier Gingras (USA) def. Aidan Saggers (SIU) 6-2, 6-2
Players Mentioned
