The University of Southern Mississippi men’s tennis team will play its final regular-season match Saturday morning against North Alabama in Florence, Alabama. First serve is scheduled for 10 a.m., marking the start of the final stretch before the Sun Belt Championships later this month, according to school officials.
Southern Miss enters the match with a 7-9 record overall and a 1-3 mark in conference play. The team recently lost 4-2 to Troy, with doubles wins from Jose Murariu and Saheb Sodhi on court one, and Julius Bult and Eric Perkowski on court three. Murariu also secured a three-set victory at No. 2 singles in that match.
The Golden Eagles aim to reset before closing the season with road matches at Louisiana and Nicholls next weekend. The team’s schedule indicates this period is critical as they prepare for the Sun Belt Championships later this month.
North Alabama comes into Saturday’s match with a 10-8 record and recently defeated Stetson 4-3 on the road. The Lions’ win was highlighted by Alberto Altur earning ASUN Men’s Tennis Player of the Week honors. The Lions’ match against Southern Miss is their first of three home contests to conclude the regular season, according to school officials.
Southern Miss plans to travel with players Eric Perkowski, Saheb Sodhi, Olle Noltorp, Ritabrata Sarkar, Jay Temming, Kale Mize, Jose Murariu, and Julius Bult for the match. Nicolas Simkin and Zubin Engineer will accompany the team for travel purposes, officials added.
