In their 2013 dual match season opener, FAU men’s tennis fell to No. 51 USF on the road in a 6-1 match.

Despite the loss, FAU men’s tennis head coach Brandon Stokes is still optimistic about the potential of his squad.

“We fought the best we could today. Unfortunately, we were playing a really tough and talented team in USF,” Stokes said to FAU Sports. “Our team is in a good place moving forward. It is exciting to begin the spring season with this group of guys.”

Sophomore Will Neuner was the only bright spot for the Owls, accounting for FAU’s only win. In a two-set match against USF’s Federico Sabogal, Neuner won the first set 6-4. The second set was closer, as it came to a tie break. Neuner would win the five points he needed to win that set with a score of 7-6.

The day’s matches were divided between singles and doubles. In the singles matches, outside of Neuner, the Owls lost in straight sets to each of their opponents. The same result held for the doubles matches.

FAU’s next match is on Jan. 25 against SMU in Fort Myers.