CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson men’s tennis team (5-0) continued to roll at the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility, defeating South Alabama (3-1), 5-2. With the win, the Tigers are off to a 5-0 start for the first time since 2017.
“It was a very good win for us tonight, said Head Coach Robbie Weiss. “A lot of credit to South Alabama. It was a hard fought match and our boys were definitely tested. A big congrats to Nini Dica for stepping up late in the 3rd set and securing the team win. Really happy with how the boys competed and dug deep late in the match. I am excited to battle Nebraska on Sunday and watch the boys get back to work.”
The Tigers earned the first doubles win of the day as Jorge Plans Gonzalez and Max Smith dominated the No. 2 South Alabama pair 6-1 to gain early momentum. The Jaguars were able to notch things up at one a piece on Court 1 until Trey Stinchcomb and Matt Pitts were able to give Clemson the doubles point with a 6-4 victory. The late serving of Stinchcomb proved to be the difference in the win.
Plans Gonzalez and Stinchcomb began singles and continued their impressive play early in the season, making quick work of their Jaguar opponents, 6-2, 6-3 and 6-4, 6-3 on Courts 2 and 5.
The remaining four singles matches all went to three sets. Spencer Whitaker and M. Pitts battled on Courts 4 and 3 but fell 2-6, 6-3, 4-6 and 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, respectively. Redshirt freshman Nini Dica was vital in the win, playing incredible tennis for the 6-3 third set victory to secure the fourth and necessary point. Play continued on as Azuma earned his first ranked win of the season against South Alabama’s No. 123 Collard in three set fashion.
The Tigers are back in action at Duckworth Family Tennis Facility on Sunday and will take on Nebraska at 11 a.m.
For complete coverage of the Clemson men’s tennis team follow @ClemsonMTennis on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.