JACKSON, Miss. (February 23, 2024) – The University of North Alabama men's tennis team returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 24 for two duals against the Jackson State Tigers and the Alcorn State Braves from the JSU Tennis Center.
North Alabama heads to Mississippi after the last scheduled dual for Thursday, Feb. 21 against Alabama A&M was postponed to March 13.
The Lions face off against the Tigers and Braves in the midst of a five-dual win streak, defeating Troy last time out for the first time since 1990 while members of Division II. The competitive outing saw UNA gain the upper hand early by winning the doubles point and winning three of six singles matches to take the historic win. North Alabama defeated North Dakota, 5-2, one day prior to finish the weekend with two wins.
North Alabama had its second ASUN Men's Tennis Player of the Week as result of the unbeaten weekend, as freshman Izan Orgiles was announced as the winner on Wednesday by the league office.
Fans can follow this weekend's action with live stats and streaming, with full results and a recap posted on RoarLions.com after the match.
DUAL 1
North Alabama at Jackson State
Saturday, February 24, 2024
11 a.m.
DUAL 2
North Alabama vs Alcorn State
Saturday, February 24, 2024
3 p.m.
NOTES
SCOUTING THE LIONS: North Alabama are carrying a five-dual win streak into the double header, going 2-0 the previous week against North Dakota and Troy. In the midst of the streak, junior Nazar Fedoryshyn, sophomore Lachlan Brain, freshman Izan Orgiles and freshman Birtan Duran extended personal match streaks this spring. Orgiles, Fedoryshyn and Brain have won five straight in doubles, while Orgiles also rides a three-match singles streak. Duran has won five straight in singles. Federico Scotuzzi is also unbeaten in his last seven doubles' matches, winning five of the seven with two unfinished. Duran leads the team with five singles wins, while Orgiles, Brain and Fedoryshyn have the team-high in doubles with six.
SCOUTING THE TIGERS: Jackson State will serve as hosts for the doubleheader, entering the matchup with a 3-4 record. The Tigers have won three of their last four duals, recently winning their first two SWAC matches against Prairie View A&M and Southern. Jackson State's head coach is Hernan Garcia.
SCOUTING THE BRAVES: Alcorn State will face the Lions in the first meeting between the teams in men's tennis program history. The Braves enter with a 1-5 record with their lone victory coming in a 5-2 win over Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on Feb. 6. The head coach for Alcorn State is Stas Smirnov.
IZAN THE INCREDIBLE: Orgiles became just the third UNA player in program history to be named ASUN Player of the Week, with the freshman being announced on Wednesday by the league office. Orgiles earned his first ASUN weekly honor after going a perfect 4-0 in duals against North Dakota and Troy, with his wins in singles and doubles helping lead UNA to a 2-0 weekend in duals. He joins Brain as recipients of the honor this season from the Lions, with Brain receiving the honor two weeks ago.
LAST TIME OUT: North Alabama met Jackson State on the court for the first time in program history on March 4, 2023, defeating the Tigers 4-2 at the UNA Tennis Complex.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
