NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Karan Salwan defeated Daniel Merker of Southern Miss 6-2, 6-2 Saturday in the men's flight 1 championship match of the Big Easy Tennis Classic at the University of New Orleans.
     Salwan, a junior in his first semester at Xavier, won a singles championship for the second time in three fall tournaments. He was the A-flight singles and doubles winner at the HBCU National Championships in September.
     "I am really proud of what Karan did winning his flight. He was banged up going into the tournament and could have easily sat out," XU coach Alan Green said. "He showed some toughness competing and winning. Everyone played well, and we just have to continue to stay in shape and be ready for the spring season."
     Salwan beat Giacomo Adoncecchi of the University of New Orleans 6-1, 7-5 in the semifinals Friday.
     Xavier's Jana van der Walt lost 6-2, 6-0 to UNO's Brittany Johnson in the women's singles flight 6 consolation final. Van der Walt defeated Louisiana-Lafayette's 6-4, 1-6, 1-0 (10-8) and Florida A&M's Elizabeth Clayton 6-3, 6-3.
     In doubles, Kyle Montrel and Kevin Chaouat reached the men's main-draw quarterfinals, and Brandi Nelson and Sha'Nel Bruins reached the women's consolation semifinals.
     It was Xavier's final tournament of the fall. The Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will begin their schedule of dual matches in late January.