Tulane University’s men’s tennis team defeated the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) 4-1 in the first round of the American Conference Championships on Apr. 16.
The victory allows Tulane, seeded ninth, to progress to the quarterfinals where they will face top-seeded Rice. The Green Wave improved their season record to 8-11, while UAB’s season ends with a record of 7-14.
In doubles play, Tulane’s Daniel Phillips and Lance Nisbet, ranked No. 37 nationally as a pair, secured a win at the No.1 position. However, UAB took the doubles point by winning on courts two and three. During singles matches, Steven Rice earned Tulane’s first point with a decisive win at No.6 singles (6-0, 6-1). Alec Gaudin followed with another straight-set victory at No.3 singles (6-2, 7-5), and Hady ElKordy added a win at No.4 singles (6-3, 6-4). Daniel Phillips clinched the match for Tulane by winning his match at No.1 singles (7-6 [7-5], 6-2).
The Green Wave will compete next against Rice in Friday’s quarterfinals scheduled for 10 a.m., facing an opponent that holds a national ranking of No.49 and features Petro Kuzmenok—ranked No.53 in singles and No.57 in doubles alongside Santiago Navarro.
The results reflect competitive performances from both teams across all courts but ultimately secure advancement for Tulane as they continue their run in conference postseason play.
