RESULTS
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a match that every point could ultimately decide the final result, the FGCU men's tennis team (0-1) couldn't overcome an early deficit as the Eagles fell short against No. 35 Florida State (4-0) with a score of 4-0 at the Scott Speicher Tennis Center.
Finding successes from three nationally ranked opponents in No. 31 Ole Miss, No. 37 TCU and No. 45 LSU at the FGCU Spring Invitational a week ago, and two more in No. 11 Illinois and No. 23 Memphis at the Illinois/Memphis Individuals this past Thursday, FGCU came out to the court knowing that they were prepared to make a statement to the college tennis world. However, the Seminoles started the match white-hot from all courts in the doubles contest to claim an early 1-0 lead and up a set in five out of six singles matches. The Eagles fought back from all courts in the second set, but the Green and Blue failed to capitalize the opportunities that could change the tide of the match, and ultimately dropped their seventh season-opener in a row.
"Today was not the start we were looking for," head coach
CJ Weber said. "FSU had a lot to do with it; they were ready and competed very well. However, we did not play as sharp as we have been leading up to this match. We will be looking to rebound in tomorrow's match against FAMU."
The doubles started in the opposite direction that FGCU wanted as FSU won in No. 2 and No. 3 slots. On No. 1 spot, the senior co-captain duo of
Tianyu Bao (Tianjin, China/Bayshore HS (Bradenton, Fla.)) and
Jordi Vives (Barcelona, Spain/IES Ferran Tallada/USC),went toe-to-toe against ITA Preseason No. 24 Benjamin Lock and Marco Nunez as both teams held serve the entire match, but the contest was suspended at 4-3 after FSU clinched the doubles point.
Finding themselves down early in the singles contest, the Eagles started to chip away from all courts, but the Seminoles won several deuce points at the big moments and quickly took three matches in straight sets to clinch the match at 4-0.
Andres Alfonzo (Hollywood, Fla/Texas Christian University) was the only Eagle to win the first set as the Hollywood, Fla. native claimed the 7-5 advantage over No. 99 Marco Nunez on No. 2 slot. Nunez claimed the second set but the play was suspended after FSU clinched the match.
The Green and Blue will be back to the baseline tomorrow to face Florida A&M at 10 a.m.
Results
FGCU:0 No. 35 FSU: 4
Doubles
1. No. 24 Marco Nunez/Benjamin Lock (FSU) vs.
Tianyu Bao/
Jordi Vives (FGCU) 3-4, unfinished
2. C. Gonzalez Mendez/Jose Gracia (FSU) def.
Andres Alfonzo/
Eduardo Alfonzo (FGCU) 6-1
3. Terrance Whitehurst/Terrell Whitehurst (FSU) def.
Michael Beiler/
Austin Bates (FGCU) 6-0
Singles
1. Benjamin Lock (FSU) def.
Jordi Vives (FGCU) 6-3, 6-3
2. No. 99 Marco Nunez (FSU) vs.
Andres Alfonzo (FGCU) 5-7, 6-2, 3-1, unfinished
3. Michael Rinaldi (FSU) vs.
Eduardo Alfonzo (FGCU) 6-3, 5-4, unfinished
4. C. Gonzalez Mendez (FSU) def.
Ricky Ventura (FGCU) 6-4, 6-3
5. Jose Gracia (FSU) def.
Tianyu Bao (FGCU) 6-3, 7-6(6)
6. Terrell Whitehurst (FSU) vs.
Michael Beiler (FGCU) 6-3, 6-5, unfinished
CJ WEBERFGCU is led by
CJ Weber, who has coached 10 A-Sun All-Conference selections since joining the Green and Blue in 2011. In his third season, Weber guided
Jordi Vives to a No. 35 national ranking, a nation-leading 14-match unbeaten streak and the round of 32 in the 2014 NCAA Tournament – the program's first appearance. His teams have continually posted winning records and finished the 2014 season a Division-I best third in the conference with 12 wins.
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FOLLOW ALONGFor complete coverage of FGCU men's tennis at the FGCU Spring Invite, follow us on Twitter @FGCU_MTEN and visit www.FGCUAthletics.com where full recaps and results will be available at the end of each day.
