LIVINGSTON, Ala. - Head coach Asa Atkinson and the Delta State University Statesmen Tennis team hit the courts on Saturday, February 2 as they opened up the 2013 season falling just short to Gulf South Conference rival University of West Alabama 5-4.

The Statesmen fell in doubles play 3-0 as they dropped three matches, 8-3, 9-7 and 8-3.

Singles play began with a win for DSU as junior Flovian Mandoloni defeated Honorio Fernandez in straight sets 6-3, 6-1. The statesmen would fall short in the second match as junior Guillaume Lacour fell 6-4, 6-2 to Nestor Vargas.
The statesmen recorded wins in the third, fifth and sixth matches as Senior Tobias Rausch defeated Adam Drysdale 6-4, 6-1. The fifth match of singles play saw Sophomore Clement Depreeaw win a close match 6-3, 5-7, 10-8 over Kike Ruiz.
The statesmen finished the day with a win in the fifth match as junior Sebastian Rajaonary defeated Manuel Grossman 2-6, 6-3, 12-10.

The Statesmen return to the court on Thursday, February 14 as they face the tigers of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. Match time is set for 6 p.m.