Sunday, 10/11/2009

TULSA, Okla.-- LSU men’s tennis sophomore Neal Skupski picked up a first-round win in qualifying singles at the D’Novo All-American Championships on Monday hosted by the University of Tulsa at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center.

 

Skupski defeated 61st-ranked Keziel Juneau in a three-set standoff 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 to capture his first win of the season and move into the second round to face UNLV’s Mehdi Bouras on Tuesday. Bouras secured a spot in the second round after posting a straight-set victory 6-4, 6-2 over Baylor’s Julien Bley.

 

“It was good work for Neal today to get the win and gain some confidence,” LSU assistant coach Danny Bryan said. “The win was a good way for Neal to kick off his year, but he will have to play even better tomorrow to keep going in the tournament.”

 

LSU junior Sebastian Carlsson dropped his match against UNLV’s Luca Barlocchi 6-4, 6-3, but will return to the tournament with Skupski for the doubles main draw slated to begin Thursday.

 

2009 D’Novo All-American Championships

Qualifying Rounds

Oct. 5-7

Tulsa, Okla.

 

Round 1

Luca Barlocchi (UNLV) def. Sebastian Carlsson (LSU), 6-4, 6-3

Neal Skupski (LSU) def. Keziel Juneau (William and Mary), 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3