The Alabama men’s tennis team traveled to face off against No. 16 Georgia, losing in a 6-1 decision. After the loss, Alabama now falls to 9-6 overall on the season and 1-1 in SEC match ups.
The Crimson Tide failed to overcome Georgia in the doubles competitions, giving the Bulldogs the 1-0 advantage. Georgia’s duo of seniors Austin Smith and Ben Wagland, ranked 21st, took down Crimson Tide sophomore Korey Lovett and freshman Mazen Osama to help Georgia secure a point in doubles play. The match was tied between the two partners at 3-3, but the pair of Bulldogs ultimately won, 5-4.
Georgia opened up singles play with back-to-to-back wins, taking a 3-0 team lead. No. 27 Smith would defeat Lovett in singles play as well, capturing a 6-0, 6-3 victory. Senior Becker O’Shaugnessey would fall to Bulldog sophomore Paul Oosterbaan 6-0, 6-3 in that span.
After sophomore Matthew Rossouw fell to Georgia senior Nick Wood, No. 93 Osama would upset No. 21 Wayne Montgomery, a sophomore, 6-2, 1-6, 6-3. With the win, Osama picked up his third win over a ranked opponent this season. Freshman Spencer Richey fell to Bulldog freshman Walker Duncan in a 6-7(3), 6-4, 10-5 decision. That win would secure the team victory for Georgia.
“We know what we are and have discussed where we want to be, so it’s on all of us to take that leap of faith,” Alabama coach George Husack said. “Being a championship team is an everyday commitment and a full-time sacrifice. We have the tools and the players, so there are no excuses moving forward.”
Alabama will be back in action to host Tennessee on March 11. After that, it will host a double-header on March 12, facing off against Kentucky and The Citadel.
