LSU’s men’s tennis team began its dual season with a strong showing at home, sweeping both South Alabama and Jackson State 7-0 in matches held on Sunday at the LSU Tennis Complex. The victories improved LSU’s record to 3-0 for the season.
South Alabama, which entered the match undefeated, dropped to 1-1, while Jackson State started its season with a loss.
Head Coach Danny Bryan commented on the team’s performance: “I was really pleased with how we started in doubles. We took a lot of positives from the Clemson match, and we were right back on track. In singles, we had a few guys who took care of business quickly, and then a couple others who had to find a way out to win. They did, and that’s what was good about today.
We were able to carry that momentum into the Jackson State match and play very solidly. We’re looking forward to next weekend. The guys will get tomorrow to rest up – it’s been a long four days with the travel plus emotional and physical matches. After a couple of good days of practice, we’ll look to have a great ITA Regional Kickoff in Arizona with some good teams. I’m excited to see what we can do.”
In doubles play against South Alabama, Erik Arutiunian and Matias Ponce de Leon secured a 6-3 win at No. 2 doubles, while Rudy Ceccon and Enzo Kohlmann clinched the doubles point with a 6-2 victory at No. 3. Singles competition saw Arutiunian defeat Juan Accossatto 6-0, 6-3 at No. 1 singles. Other singles winners included Kohlmann (6-4, 7-5), Andrej Loncarevic (6-4, 6-7, 10-8), Ponce de Leon (6-3, 6-4), Sasa Markovic (6-2, 6-4), and Ceccon (6-4, 6-0).
Against Jackson State later in the day, Markovic and Loncarevic posted a 6-2 win at No. 1 doubles; Arutiunian and Ponce de Leon also won their doubles match by the same scoreline at No. 2. In singles play, LSU players dropped only five games across all six courts: Arutiunian won his match at No. 1 singles (6-1, 6-1); Kohlmann (No. 2) won 6-0, 6-2; Loncarevic (No. 3) finished with scores of 6-1, 6-0; Ponce de Leon (No. 4) won both sets by identical scores of 6-2; Markovic (No.5) won his match without dropping a game in the first set and finishing off with a second set score of 6-1; Ceccon swept his opponent at No.6 singles without losing a game.
The Tigers will travel next weekend for the ITA Kickoff Tournament in Arizona where they are scheduled to face Arizona on January 24 before playing either Florida State or Pepperdine.
For further updates on LSU men’s tennis throughout the season fans are encouraged to follow @LSUTennis on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
