Troy, Ala. –  The Eagles (3-5) fell to host Troy on day two of the Troy Trojan Jamboree.  Down 0-1 after doubles, Georgia Southern was only able to capitalize on 3 singles matches which led to the 3-4 defeat at the hands of the Trojans.

"In doubles, we came out nervous," said Head Coach Alexander Koning.  "We made a lot of mistakes early and Troy took advantage of that.  They are a good team that takes care of opportunities.  In singles, we fought very well.  We took 5 out of 6 first sets, which means we came out with a purpose."

The No. 2 doubles tandem of Giovani Samaha and Austin Racine defeated Christian Kerrigan and Ristomatti Lanne 6-0.  At No. 1, Troy clinched the doubles point as Andy lau and Pablo Moreno teamed up to setback Kyle Hoffman and Nico de Groof 6-1.  The No. 3 doubles match was unfinished as Troy took the first 2 doubles matches and earned the doubles point.

In singles, Albert Codina Sala evened the score when he defeated Pablo Moreno 6-3, 6-3 in the No. 2 position.  With the match tied 1-1, Joan Carles Alcala, playing at No. 2, took down Andre Baldo 6-2, 6-4 to make it 2-1 Eagles.

"Albert played very solid and it turned out to be a good match-up," commented Koning.  "JC played his 2nd dual match and he played very aggressive.  His opponent was very crafty, but JC stayed alert throughout the whole match and got the win."

Drawing the match square again, Andy Lau dispatched Kerrigan in the No. 3 position 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.  Hoffman battled to a win over Samaha at No. 5 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to make it 3-2 in favor of the Eagles.

"Chris started off where he left off yesterday, but in the 2nd set he took his foot off the gas a little bit and it was enough for his opponent to take over.  He recognized the mistake and it is a valuable lesson for him going forward," continued Koning.  "Kyle lost the first set and was down a break in the 2nd set, but played with great focus.  He kept bringing his game to the opponent and halfway through the 2nd set he manged to turn the score in his favor and got a quick lead in the 3rd set to finish the match."  

Daniel Bustamante of Troy evened it up at 3-3 when he setback Jose Landin at No. 4 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Said Koning, "Eddie had another tough loss.  His game is getting better and if he stays committed to the process good things will happen." 

The match would come down to the No. 1 singles match-up of Ndayishimye and Lanne.  Ultimately, it would be Ndayishimye who would get the match winner as he defeated Lanne in a 3-set thriller 6-3, 3-6, 6-0.

"Overall, the guys played very well after doubles and represented Georgia Southern very well with the fight they brought to our conference opponent.  Both of our captains have been stepping up and that is what you like to see as a coach.  They are leading the charge and set the example for the younger players.  We played a good Troy team today and give them the credit for seizing the momentum and not letting go.  We learned a lot and will get better from this," concluded Koning.

The afternoon match against South Carolina State was suspended after doubles play with South Carolina State up 1-0.  The match is postponed as the teams attempt to reschedule the remainder of the match.  Sunday's match against No. 20 University of Tennessee was canceled.

The Eagles return to action Friday, February 27th when they take on the Hatters of Stetson University at 2 p.m. from the Wallis Tennis Center.

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