Gator Country

gatorbogey · 03-08-2013, 07:13 PM

#29 gators take the doubles point against #43 USC
Piro/VOB win 8-4 at #1
Watson/Federhofer win at #2 8-4

gatorbogey · 03-08-2013, 07:17 PM

Van OverBeek leads 6-5
Diep won his 1st 6-1
Piro tied at 6-all
Alford won his 1st 6-4
Watson dropped his 1st 4-6
Federhofer won his 1st 6-3, leads in his 2nd 2-0

**allanhovey** · 03-08-2013, 07:24 PM

bogey, are using the South Carolina video/stats? They quit working for me. Video won't even load and the stats are just blank. earlier both were working.

gatorbogey · 03-08-2013, 07:27 PM

yes,
and yes, seems the stats have froze

G2MGA · 03-08-2013, 08:39 PM

Looks like we are going to lose 4-3 unless Diep can make a huge comeback from 4-1 down in the 3rd at #2.

Hard to win on the road in the SEC, but this would be a pretty bad loss to one of the weaker teams in the league.

At this point it is questionable as to whether we'll even qualify for the NCAA tournament, which requires .500 or better record starting this season. Not that that would at all the diminish the mid-to-long term prospects for this program under Shelton, but that sure would be disappointing.

G2MGA · 03-08-2013, 08:44 PM

Diep battling back now to 3-4, still down one break.

SC live stats and video are back, BTW.

G2MGA · 03-08-2013, 08:58 PM

Diep loses 6-3 in the 3rd on a forehand he framed out of the stadium.

SC wins 4-3.

swimfan99 · 03-08-2013, 08:59 PM

The little I was able to see at the end, Diep's 2nd serve is a huge liability. This is a really bad loss for this group. I know road life in the SEC is tough, but they should not have dropped this after winning doubles and 4 first sets.

G2MGA · 03-08-2013, 09:05 PM

And the next 4 matches are also on the road. A real tough stretch, especially the next 2 at UGA and UT, who are both firmly entrenched in the top 10.

**apkgator** · 03-08-2013, 09:29 PM

As good as the TAMU win was, this is a horrible loss.....and much like what we have been seeing for the last 3-4 years. Very disappointing for some of the guys that are veterans and have played a lot of SEC tennis.
I think Shelton is really going to turn over the roster next year.

gatorbogey · 03-08-2013, 10:50 PM

looked so promising after the doubles...then winning 4 first sets in singles. did we let up too much? carolina change styles or something to change the momentum? disappointing loss, for sure.

**hocgators** · 03-09-2013, 07:54 AM

Yes this was a very disappointing loss. South Carolina and their second year coach are a program on the way up. But we can't lose matches like this. Diep had a match point in the second set amd could not capitalize. In Alford's case he tweaked his ankle in the second set and could not cover the court well after that.
This program is a work in progress right now. The transition to coach Shelton will not be without more pain this season. But point to the number 3 recruiting class coming in and the return of Spencer Newman to eligibility next season and the future looks bright.

**apkgator** · 03-09-2013, 09:42 AM

Agree 100%, we just have to battle thru this season and hope the young talent gives them an infusion next year. I kind of expected trouble at the top of the lineup, but we have now lost 8 of the last 9 matches at#1 and 7 in a row (including a loss vs UNC Wilmington). Lot of those matches have been very close, you would hope a senior with tons of experience could pull some out.
Not going to get any easier, so Alford and Watson are going to have to be better than yesterday for this team to have a chance. Pretty much have to win 3 of the bottom 4 singles matches evry time out and try and steal one more somewhere else.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hocgators

Yes this was a very disappointing loss. South Carolina and their second year coach are a program on the way up. But we can't lose matches like this. Diep had a match point in the second set amd could not capitalize. In Alford's case he tweaked his ankle in the second set and could not cover the court well after that.
This program is a work in progress right now. The transition to coach Shelton will not be without more pain this season. But point to the number 3 recruiting class coming in and the return of Spencer Newman to eligibility next season and the future looks bright.