Feb. 17, 2008

JACKSON, Miss. - The Jackson State men's tennis team dropped its season opener to the University of West Alabama, falling 5-2 in non-conference play.

JSU won two of its three doubles matches. At No. 1 Nick Crawford and Brandon Nelson fell 3-8 to Dentao Menitjes. Auturo Jiminez and Yacouba Troure defeated James Gardner and Wes Yarnton 4-8 at No. 2. Sergio Salinas and Alehandro Martines beat Carlin Tighe and Lucas Cruz 4-8 at No. 3.

In singles play UWA won five of six. At No. 1 Traoure fell 6-3, 3-6, 5-10 to Menitjes, No. 2 Nelson fell 1-6, 4-6 to Yarton, No. 3 Martinez fell 4-6, 6-4, 5-10 to Harris, No. 4 Salinas lost 5-7, 2-6 to Tighe, No. 5 Jiminez lost 6-7, 6-7 to Gardner and Crawford picked up JSU's lone singles win. At No. 6 he beat Cruz 6-0, 1-6, 10-8.

JSU will return to action Feb. 14 when the Tigers host Stillman College.