Alabama Men's Tennis Hosts Final Home Matches
3/26/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
 |
|
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The 16th-ranked University of Alabama men’s tennis team (13-5, 2-4 SEC) takes on 2nd-ranked Florida (15-3, 6-0 SEC) Friday and 18th-ranked South Carolina (12-2, 3-2 SEC) Sunday in their final home matches of the 2003 season. Both matches will begin at 1 p.m.
Alabama will undoubtedly need its best performance of the season to upend a battle-tested Florida squad and break a three-match losing skid. The Gators have played eight matches against top-10 ranked opponents this season, going 5-3 in those matches.
“We’ve obviously had some disappointing losses recently,” Alabama head coach Billy Pate said. “But we truly believe we can play with anyone in the country. It’s just a matter of coming through when the opportunity presents itself. This weekend is a great opportunity.”
Friday’s match against Florida is special for another reason, also. The Gators are coached by Andy Jackson, who was the head coach at Mississippi State during Pate’s playing days there. Friday will be the first time the two have met as head coaches.
On Sunday, seven Crimson Tide seniors will play their final home match. Alabama ends regular season play on a four-match road swing.
“It takes on a great amount of importance with Sunday being the last home match for our seniors,” Pate said. “I’m sure they want to go out with a win playing in front of their home crowd for the last time.”
