BOCA RATON, FL (March 18, 2010) -- The Florida Atlantic University men's tennis team scored one of its biggest victories of the spring season, sweeping the last four singles matches to rally for a 4-3 triumph over regionally-ranked University of South Alabama on Thursday at Patch Reef Park in Boca Raton.

Both Sun Belt Conference teams entered the match as the No. 9 ranked squad in their respective regions. The victory marked the second regionally-ranked opponent that FAU has defeated this year. The team knocked off the University at Buffalo 5-2 on March 7.

Florida Atlantic improved to 9-5 on the season while South Alabama fell to 6-7 in spring dual matches.

"All the credit goes to every Owl who fought on the singles court," said Men's Tennis Head Coach Brandon Stokes. "We have talked all week about giving more and reaching deeper on the court for our teammates. The boys did that today."

Trailing 3-1, junior Joshua Scholl started the comeback with a straight-set victory at No. 4 singles. The Pompano Beach, Fla. native won by 7-5, 6-2 scores to put the Owls on the scoreboard.

Then, junior Marc Abdelnour rallied for a victory in a three-set match at No. 1 singles. He dropped the first set 4-6 before winning the next two sets by decisive 6-4 and 6-3 scores.

Freshman Georg Matschke tied the match with a straight-set win at No. 5 singles. He won the opening set by a 6-3 score and won a second set tiebreaker 7-3.

The comeback was complete with freshman Matthew Braunworth's dramatic win at No. 6 singles, defeating Dauw Kruger 7-5 and 6-3. The Boca Raton native improved his record to 10-4 on the season.

"Our freshmen, Georg and Matt, performed like champions," said Coach Stokes. "Matt clinched his second consecutive team point today! We grabbed the moment on several courts today."

FAU returns to the court on Sunday, March 21 against Princeton University, starting at 2 p.m., at Patch Reef Park.