Saturday, March 2
JACKSONVILLE
2 P.M.
Jacksonville State University
vs
North Alabama
Gamecocks Host UNA on Saturday, Sunday's Matches Postponed
3/1/2024 5:38:00 PM | Men's Tennis
JACKSONVILLE – Following a tough setback at Kennesaw State on Thursday afternoon, Jacksonville State's men's tennis squad is back at home this weekend for a crucial in-state rivalry match. They will host North Alabama at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Jax State Tennis Courts.
"North Alabama is a very solid team," head coach Trey Morris said. "Their staff does a great job and always has their guys prepared and ready to compete. They're bubbling with confidence, sitting just outside the published rankings, so it'll be a battle. I believe we have the quality across the board, but we have to be ready to work."
The Gamecocks (7-5) went on a tear over the last two weeks, winning four in a row before this week's loss at KSU. They drubbed Lipscomb and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in a doubleheader on Feb. 18, then scored dominant victories over Southern Conference powers Furman and Chattanooga last weekend in Jacksonville. Their best winning streak in over a calendar year was snapped in Cobb County, Ga., but Jax State has the chance to start another one as they welcome a strong opponent to Gamecock country this weekend.
"It was a tough result in Kennesaw, and we were disappointed in that," Morris said. "However, our guys emptied the tank there and we'll continue to be that team that's a tough out no matter who we're playing. We're tough, we're gritty, and tomorrow will be the exact same."
North Alabama (7-3), who competed very well at the Jax State Invite this past Fall, has had a big start to their Spring 2024 campaign. The Lions went 10-10 last season before falling to North Florida in the ASUN Conference Tournament Quarterfinals and lost their first three matches this year against Ole Miss, Samford, and UAB. A resilient UNA bunch has ripped off seven triumphs in a row, though, including wins over Chattanooga, North Dakota, and Troy.
UNA won both of last year's meetings in ASUN Conference action. The Red-and-White fell in a 4-3 heartbreaker at home on March 20, 2023, and could not exact revenge in a 4-1 loss two weeks later in Florence, Ala. Despite those two defeats, the Gamecocks are 4-2 against UNA since the Lions' move to Division I several seasons ago.
"If we out-work them, then we'll find the result," Morris said. "If we don't, it's going to be a tough day. Regardless, we're looking forward to the opportunity against UNA."
Due to a lack of officials, the program's scheduled matches against Georgia Southern and Wallace State Community College have been postponed. The respective sides are currently working to find a date that will work for later in the season.
Fans unable to attend can follow along with the live stats links for Saturday's match at JaxStateSports.com.
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Facebook (Jacksonville State Men's Tennis), Instagram (@JaxStateMTEN), and X (@JaxStateMTEN) accounts.
"North Alabama is a very solid team," head coach Trey Morris said. "Their staff does a great job and always has their guys prepared and ready to compete. They're bubbling with confidence, sitting just outside the published rankings, so it'll be a battle. I believe we have the quality across the board, but we have to be ready to work."
The Gamecocks (7-5) went on a tear over the last two weeks, winning four in a row before this week's loss at KSU. They drubbed Lipscomb and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in a doubleheader on Feb. 18, then scored dominant victories over Southern Conference powers Furman and Chattanooga last weekend in Jacksonville. Their best winning streak in over a calendar year was snapped in Cobb County, Ga., but Jax State has the chance to start another one as they welcome a strong opponent to Gamecock country this weekend.
"It was a tough result in Kennesaw, and we were disappointed in that," Morris said. "However, our guys emptied the tank there and we'll continue to be that team that's a tough out no matter who we're playing. We're tough, we're gritty, and tomorrow will be the exact same."
North Alabama (7-3), who competed very well at the Jax State Invite this past Fall, has had a big start to their Spring 2024 campaign. The Lions went 10-10 last season before falling to North Florida in the ASUN Conference Tournament Quarterfinals and lost their first three matches this year against Ole Miss, Samford, and UAB. A resilient UNA bunch has ripped off seven triumphs in a row, though, including wins over Chattanooga, North Dakota, and Troy.
UNA won both of last year's meetings in ASUN Conference action. The Red-and-White fell in a 4-3 heartbreaker at home on March 20, 2023, and could not exact revenge in a 4-1 loss two weeks later in Florence, Ala. Despite those two defeats, the Gamecocks are 4-2 against UNA since the Lions' move to Division I several seasons ago.
"If we out-work them, then we'll find the result," Morris said. "If we don't, it's going to be a tough day. Regardless, we're looking forward to the opportunity against UNA."
Due to a lack of officials, the program's scheduled matches against Georgia Southern and Wallace State Community College have been postponed. The respective sides are currently working to find a date that will work for later in the season.
Fans unable to attend can follow along with the live stats links for Saturday's match at JaxStateSports.com.
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Facebook (Jacksonville State Men's Tennis), Instagram (@JaxStateMTEN), and X (@JaxStateMTEN) accounts.
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