JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - For the second time in as many matches, UNF men's tennis (6-8, 2-1 ASUN) celebrated on the courts as the Ospreys edged Stetson, 4-3, thanks to PJ Kotan's clinching point at the fourth singles slot Thursday, April 1.

The Ospreys are 2-1 in conference play and in second place in the ASUN South Division. UNF is also on a season-long three-match winning streak.

How it Happened
UNF showed early grit, going up 1-0 after doubles. Stetson took the top doubles slot, but Dominik Barton and Rodrigo Crespo tied things up, winning 6-4. Matt Carroll and Nilo Duarte clinched the point, 7-5, in their first match as a pairing.

The battle for the remaining six singles slots began with Dominik Barton improving to 8-6 on the season with a 6-3, 6-2, win against Antoine Sanchez.

Stetson claimed slots three and five, with both matches seeing a set decided by a tiebreaker. 

Jorge Nunez provided a huge lift, improving to 3-0 in singles play with a 7-5, 6-4, win to put UNF ahead, 3-2. 

Nilo Duarte took the second set at the second slot, evening his match up with Diogo Marques. Marques got the edge in the third frame, 7-6 (7-4) evening things up. 

All eyes turned to court four where PJ Kotan and Sven Thiergard slugged it out to the third set. Kotan overcame a 3-2 deficit, turning the tables for a 6-4 third-set triumph.
 
Singles Competition
1. Dominik Barton (UNF-M) def. Sanchez, Antoine (STET) 6-3, 6-2
2. Marques, Diogo (STET) def. Nilo Duarte (UNF-M) 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4)
3. Hamel, Clement (STET) def. Matt Carroll (UNF-M) 7-6 (7-5), 6-0
4. Patrick Kotan (UNF-M) def. Thiergard, Sven (STET) 6-1, 5-7, 6-4
5. Penzkofer, Fabian (STET) def. Rodrigo Crespo (UNF-M) 6-1, 7-6 (8-6)
6. Jorge Nunez (UNF-M) def. Laka, Josh (STET) 7-5, 6-4
 
Doubles Competition
1. Marques, Diogo/Sanchez, Antoine (STET) def. Jorge Nunez/Federico Nani (UNF-M) 6-3
2. Dominik Barton/Rodrigo Crespo (UNF-M) def. Bergevi, Linus/Thiergard, Sven (STET) 6-4
3. Matt Carroll/Nilo Duarte (UNF-M) def. Hamel, Clement/Hillhouse, Alexandre (STET) 7-5
 
Match Notes
Stetson 2-6, 0-2 ASUN
North Florida 6-8, 2-1 ASUN
Order of finish: Doubles (1,2,3); Singles (1,3,5,6,2,4)
Official: Kendyl Jennings

Other Notes

• UNF's doubles pairings at the second and third slots were the first such pairings of the year.
• Nani and Nunez had their five-match winning streak snapped.
• The Ospreys are 4-3 at home.
• Barton is on a five-match singles winning streak.
• Kotan is also on a five-match winning streak in singles play.

Coach Lucas' Comments
"It was an exciting college tennis match today. I'm proud of the guys for gutting it out in tricky conditions. We knew it was going to be tough and physical with how windy it was and we did just enough to get the win. The guys are finding some confidence in the tight moments and that was evident with PJ this evening. I'm super proud of how he handled that situation. For a freshmen to show that much poise and confidence with the match on the line is special. He's been putting in the work and deserves this moment. He never wavered from the plan, and kept his composure in a very nervous situation. His calmness and willingness to play the right way certainly pushed him to the clinching win. It's a quick turnaround for Saturday so we will rest up and be ready for another battle this weekend. We embrace these type matches and the guys are on a mission! Swoop!"

Up Next
UNF hosts Kennesaw in its home regular season finale at 3 p.m. Saturday.