TAMPA (April 10, 2024) – The University of South Florida Bulls (9-16) closed out the regular season at home on Wednesday, falling in a hard-fought match, 4-2, against No. 46 Florida Atlantic (15-5).

The match was originally slated to be played in mid-February, but was postponed due to weather, and moved to the end of the regular season.

In doubles action, FAU was able to grab the opening court of the match, but the Bulls were quick to respond. The ranked pairing of No. 34 Erik Grevelius and Alvin Tudorica took the second of the three courts, 6-2, in convincing fashion. That victory set up a winner-take-all showdown on Court 2. Ben Hudson and Bruno Oliveira took the Owls No. 2 pairing to a tiebreaker, but the Owls prevailed and tallied the team point.

Singles play saw Erik Grevelius grab the opening point for the Bulls (6-2, 6-0), tying the overall match score at 1-1. However, FAU took back control of the overall lead by securing two straight match wins on Courts 6 and 4, setting up a potential chance for FAU to clinch. The Bulls would get back within one point of the match lead with Bruno Oliveira picking up a Court 3 victory (6-4, 6-3).

This set up two pivotal matchups on Court 1 for No. 66, Alvin Tudorica, and Court 5 for Tom Pavlekovich-Smith, the final two chances for points in the match. Both Tudorica and Pavlekovich-Smith would go the distance in their respective matches, but FAU took the Court 5 victory, sealing the match win.

Grevelius closes the regular season with a team-best 13-5 record in singles play, all coming on Court 2. He and Tudorica own a 14-6 mark on Doubles Court 1 this year.

Up Next
The Bulls will now turn their attention to the AAC Championship Tournament set for April 18-21 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. South Florida and the rest of the field will have their seeding and schedules determined early next week.

About USF Men's Tennis
Be sure to follow USF men's tennis on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.

Head coach Ashley Fisher is in his eighth year at the helm of the program for the 2023-24 season. Fischer has guided the Bulls to four NCAA Tournaments, including three trips to the second round. He was named the American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2017 & 2019 after leading USF to the conference title in each of those seasons.

– #GoBulls –