GREENVILLE, S.C. – With the score tied at 3-3, Michaela Meszarosova held on for a 6-3, 7-6(5) win over freshman Gabby Rodriguez at flight five as No. 73 South Alabama outlasted Furman, 4-3, Monday at the Mickel Tennis Center in Greenville, S.C., in the Paladins’ 2016 home opener.

Furman won two out of three doubles matches to clinch the opening point.  Junior Blair Martin and Rodriguez teamed up to beat Alexandria Stiteler and Cinta Marie Papke, 6-4, at flight two, and sophomore Harper Caswell and junior Karlee Bryde downed Paula Sanchez and Laura Matuskova, 6-4, at number three.  The Jaguars were victoriouis at flight one, as Laura Valkova and Meszarosaova posted a 6-4 win versus junior Ansley Speaks and freshman Katarina Weymouth. 

In singles action, Furman claimed wins at flights three and four to take a 3-0 lead in the match.  Martin topped Monica Mitta, 6-3, 6-2, at number three, and Bryde recorded a 6-3, 6-3 victory versus Papke at number four.  In the top seeded match-up, Alexandria Stiteler came from behind to beat Speaks, 0-6, 6-3, 6-4, then Valkova tallied a 6-1, 5-7, 7-6(4) win over Weymouth at flight two, cutting the Paladin lead to 3-2.  Matuskova defeated Caswell, 6-4, 6-2, at number three to tie the match at 3-all and set up the decisive flight five match-up.

The Paladins (0-2) will return to the court on January 23 when Furman plays host to USC Upstate at 11 a.m. at the Mickel Tennis Center.