NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers men's tennis team (6-6) faces a tough test against their second ranked opponent of the season when they travel to Baton Rouge to face the Texas A&M Aggies. The match is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start.
New Orleans had some early momentum after winning the doubles point in their last outing, but could not hold in singles in a loss to the Troy Trojans.
Samuel Armand and
Johannes Klein provided the winning point in doubles for the Privateers.
"Texas A&M just beat Ohio State so we're going to play a very strong team," said Coach
Burzis Kanga. "It's very tough and we're playing one of the best teams in the country but it's a great opportunity for our guys as well to play a team of this caliber and see where we stand. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
The spring opened against a nationally ranked opponent in Florida State. Now the Privateers face the Aggies who jumped nine spots in the latest ITA rankings from 28 to 19. Texas A&M has two singles players nationally ranked inside the top 60: Valentin Vacherot (38) and Barnaby Smith (58).
This is the final match for the Privateers before they begin their five-match Southland journey. New Orleans will open conference play against defending postseason tournament champion, Lamar on Mar. 23. The Privateers beat the Cardinals earlier in the spring at the Jerry Simmons Invitational in Baton Rouge.
The Aggies have won nine straight matches after losing three consecutive bouts from Jan. 27-Feb. 3. In that stretch, Texas A&M lost to two ranked opponents (Virginia and Notre Dame). Against the Southland, Texas A&M is 2-0 with wins over UIW and Abilene Christian.
Smith is 11-1 in singles this spring to lead the squad. Austin Abbrat and Noah Schachter also each have eight singles victories. The Aggies have played 19 different doubles combinations this season. Smith and Juan Carlos Aguilar have the most wins together this year with five.
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