Jan. 29, 2006

Greenville, SC - The Furman men's tennis team fell to 0-2 after a 6-1 loss to 57th ranked Alabama Sunday afternoon at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility. The Crimson Tide, playing in their season opener, improved to 1-0 with the win.

Furman got off to a quick start in doubles with Scott Kahler and Will Kieffer downing Javier Bes and Jordie Kindervater 8-3 at No.3. After picking up a win in the No.1 slot 8-5, Alabama held off the Paladins at No.2 8-6, to grab the early 1-0 lead.

Alabama took a 2-0 lead after Billy Mertz defeated Bo Ladyman 6-4, 6-3 at No.4. Furman pulled within one when Andy Juc picked up a win in flight two over 87th ranked Javier Bes 6-4, 6-3. This was as close as the Paladins would get as Alabama went on the win the last four singles matches to make the final score 6-1. At No.1 100th ranked Joseph Jung defeated Ben Pauluhn 6-3, 7-6(4) while Mathieu Thibaudeau hit his way past Greg Maarschalk 7-6, 6-3 at No.3. In flight five Andrew Felsenthal downed Daniel Knause 6-3, 6-0 and in the final match at No.6 Dan Buikema knocked off Alex Doan 7-5, 6-3.

The Paladins travel to Tallahassee, FL on February 3 for a neutral site match against Nebraska. Match time is set for 1:00 PM.

Singles

1. #100 Joseph Jung (UA) def. Ben Pauluhn (FU) 6-3, 7-6 (7-4)

2. Andy Juc (FU) def. #87 Javier Bes (UA) 6-4, 6-3

3. Mathieu Thibaudeau (UA) def. Greg Maarschalk (FU) 7-6, 6-3

4. Billy Mertz (UA) def. Bo Ladyman (FU) 6-4, 6-3

5. Andrew Felsenthal (UA) def. Daniel Knause (FU) 6-3, 6-0

6. Dan Buikema (UA) def. Alex Doan (FU) 7-5, 6-3

Doubles

1. Sammy Struyf/Mathieu Thibaudeau (UA) def. Greg Maarchalk /Ben Pauluhn (FU) 8-5

2. Dan Buikema /Andrew Felsenthal (UA) def. Brian Crook/Bo Ladyman (FU) 8-6

3. Scott Kahler/Will Kieffer (FU) def. Javier Bes/Jordie Kindervater (UA) 8-3