Gators Look to Get Back in Win Column This Weekend at Auburn
Friday, March 27, 2015 | Men's Tennis
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Following a 4-0 loss at Ole Miss, the No. 20 Florida Gators look to bounce back with a Southeastern Conference victory on the road at No. 45 Auburn on Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m. at the Yarbrough Tennis Center in Auburn, Ala.
The Gators lead the all-time series with the Tigers, 37-15.
Following a 4-0 shutout victory at Arkansas, the Florida Gators fell to Ole Miss, 4-0, for the second time this season. Forced indoors due to inclement weather, only three individuals were able to play out their singles matches, as the Rebels stole the early doubles point and defeated the Gators' top three singles players.
Shelton's Notes – Head Coach Bryan Shelton
On positives from match at Ole Miss despite the loss…
Some of the highlights there were Diego Hidalgo getting off to a good start in his singles and playing some exceptional tennis. I think he's really close to breaking through in an even bigger way. I think once he fully understands that he's got to go for his shots in big moments, I think he'll have a lot more success, even playing at the top of the line-up where he's had a lot of success already this season. Chase Perez-Blanco is playing outstanding tennis for us. He's figured out how to compete out there at this level and he's doing a great job. Something else that was great this weekend was Gordon Watson. He certainly put some extra work in over the last couple of weeks and it's paying dividends. It's good to see him back in form and playing well again. Elliott Orkin just continues to be a horse for us. He clinched the match against Arkansas and he's just playing really good tennis. He's a hard worker and it's great to see him playing well.
On looking ahead to Auburn…
We lost there the last time we were there, so we know it's a difficult place to play. [Head coach] Eric Shore does a great job with his team and it'll be a good challenge for our guys. We want to bounce back right away and get back in the win column.
Last Time:
Last season, Florida swept Auburn, 4-0, in Gainesville. Elliott Orkin earned a singles win at No. 6 and Diego Hidalgo clinched the win at No. 4 singles.
Big Impact Early:
Freshman Chase Perez-Blanco is making a big impact in his first year with the Florida Gators. The rookie was deservingly named SEC Freshman of the Week on March 18. Perez-Blanco is unbeaten in SEC dual match singles and leads the Gators with a 10-1 dual singles record. He's recorded a singles point for Florida in six of his last seven outings.
Doubles Taking Shape:
Florida has won the doubles point in three of its last four outings. The doubles tally earned versus Mississippi State on March 13 was the first for the Gators since Feb. 28. Oliver Landert and Joshua Wardell have clinched two of the last three doubles decisions for Florida.
#20 Florida (9-6, 4-3) at #45 Auburn (12-7, 2-5)
Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m.
Yarbrough Tennis Center, Auburn, Ala.
Live Stats: http://www.auburntigers.com/livestats/m-tennis/xlive.htm
Notes: http://www.gatorzone.com/tennis/men/stats/notes/pre/20150328140000.pdf
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