University of Alabama men’s tennis team defeated its longtime rivals the Auburn Tigers on Sunday afternoon, 4-0. Before this victory, the Crimson Tide was 0-4 in SEC play.

“We certainly needed this win,” coach George Husack said in a press release. “As (Alabama) men’s basketball experienced five losses in a row is a tough pill to swallow, but it creates some character in you. It’s just about guys continuing to believe and work hard and that’s what we’ve done all week during Spring Break.”

This is the eighth time this season that Alabama has shut out an opponent. Things got started early for the Crimson Tide when it took an early 1-0 lead in doubles play. Mazen Osama and Edson Ortizo, who are ranked No. 31 in doubles, clinched the doubles victory when they won their match 6-4.

In singles, the Crimson Tide didn’t let their instate rivals gain any momentum. Freshman Ricardo Roberto swept his match 6-0, and sophomore Zhe Zhou clinched the victory for Alabama when he defeated Tad Maclean.  

Alabama will return to action Sunday March 25 at No. 6 Texas A&M.