Florida Gators
USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational Day 1
Gators Thrive on Clay Courts on Day One in Orlando
Thursday, October 30, 2014 | Men's Tennis
The Gators turned in a successful first day on the clay in Orlando, Florida, at the 2014 USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational hosted by Florida State University at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.
No. 5-seed Diego Hidalgo topped his first round singles opponent, Juan Troglia of South Alabama, in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2. Lone Gator senior Richard Brej earned an early advantage over Virginia Tech's George Cartledge, 7-6(4). Despite dropping the second set, Brej rebounded in the third, 6-1, to secure the match victory. Chase Perez-Blanco wrapped up the day for Florida with a comeback win over Miami's Wilfredo Gonzalez, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.
Both Gator doubles duos earned wins to start the day Thursday. Freshman tandem Jordan Belga and Perez-Blanco defeated Jai Corbett and Joao Monteiro of Virginia Tech, 8-6. They'll take on No. 4-seeded Richard Pham and Mike Vermeer of Columbia in the second round. No. 4 seed Brej and Hidalgo topped Stetson team Graham Ball and Chester Espie, 8-4. The upperclassman pairing will face Rob Bellamy and Eric Johnson of Southern California tomorrow.
“Playing on a clay court is much different than playing on a hard court,” said volunteer assistant coach Scott Perelman. “We got three good days of really good practice on the clay in Gainesville, which helped us prepare for today. Our competitive effort today was excellent. We must continue to improve each and every day as we get closer to the spring season.”
Updated Singles and Doubles Draws Available
Streaming is available at ESPN3.com or on the WatchESPN app on Sunday, November 2 from 9 a.m. ET. Kevin Corke and Patrick McEnroe will commentate the finals on Sunday.
For match updates as they are completed, follow @2014_CCI on Twitter. For daily results and updated brackets, visit Facebook.com/FSUMTennis and Seminoles.com.
Disney Details
2014 USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational
Day One Results – UF Only
SINGLES
Richard Brej (UF) def. George Cartledge (VT), 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-1
Diego Hidalgo [5] (UF) def. Juan Troglia (USA), 6-1, 6-2
Chase Perez-Blanco (UF) def. Wilfredo Gonzalez (UM), 4-6, 6-1, 6-1
Marco Nunez [9-16] (FSU) def. Jordan Belga (UF), 6-3, 3-6, 6-4
DOUBLES
“A”
Jordan Belga/Chase Perez-Blanco (UF) def. Jai Corbett/Joao Monteiro (VT), 8-6
“B”
Richard Brej/Diego Hidalgo [4] (UF) def. Graham Ball/Chester Espie (Stetson), 8-4
Day Two Pairings – UF Only
SINGLES
Second Round
Richard Brej (UF) vs. Hunter Harrington [1] (Clemson)
Diego Hidalgo [5] (UF) vs. Matt Barry (PSU)
Chase Perez-Blanco (UF) vs. Carlos Benita (Georgia Tech)
Consolation
Jordan Belga (UF) vs. Florian Nicoud (VT)
DOUBLES
Second Round
“A”
Jordan Belga/Chase Perez-Blanco (UF) vs. Richard Pham/Mike Vermeer [4] (Columbia)
“B”
Richard Brej/Diego Hidalgo [4] (UF) vs. Rob Bellamy/Eric Johnson (USC)
Basic Information
2014 USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World, Grand Cypress and Isleworth
Free Admission
Teams With Athletes Competing
Auburn, Central Florida, Clemson, Columbia, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Miami, Penn State, Princeton, South Alabama, Southern California, Stetson, Virginia Tech
Daily Schedule of Events
Friday, Oct. 31
D: Doubles (A&B) – Second Round
D: Singles A – Second Round/Round of 16/Cons.
D: Singles B – Quarterfinals/Cons
Saturday, Nov. 1
D: Doubles A – Quarterfinals, Doubles B – Semifinals
D: Singles A – Quarterfinals/Semifinals, Singles B – Semifinals
GC: Consolations
Sunday, Nov. 2
D: Doubles A – Semifinals/Finals
D: Doubles B – Finals
D: Singles A/B – Finals
GC = Grand Cypress (Orlando)
I = Isleworth (Windermere)
D = Disney (Kissimmee)
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