Gator Country

gatorbogey · 02-04-2013, 07:33 AM

beat Furman, 7-0
had wanted to swing by the match before the women's hoops game vs bama, but stopped by baseball to watch another practice instead and didn't pull away in time.

http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=24809

seems like new doubles teams were tried out. mixing and matching different lineups in the early going.

swimfan99 · 02-16-2013, 08:52 PM

Lost to #5 Pepperdine last night at the team indoors.

Down 2-0 to #13 Cal in the consolation draw.

http://www.gohuskies.com/sports/m-te...-ita-stc1.html

gatorbogey · 02-17-2013, 08:11 AM

#13 Cal beat the #11 Gators 4-1 .... lots of matches into the 3rd set, dropped the doubles point again too.

http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=24939

play either washington or oklahoma today.

**apkgator** · 02-17-2013, 09:25 AM

Pepperdine loss as expected....just don't have the guns to hang with top 8 type teams. Pleased with a real good doubles performance vs the Waves though.

It's early, but the team needs to do a better job of winning the close/3 set matches. Cal is a team UF can beat and is probably what most of the SEC matches will look like. Could be the difference between a top 2-3 SEC finish and middle of the pack or lower.

ApexNC · 02-17-2013, 09:52 AM

Why don't we have the guns to compete with top 8 type teams? Is tennis in Florida inferior to tennis in California? Along with women's basketball, I wonder why men's tennis hasn't "broken through" for UF. I know we're often in the top 25...just hoping we can take that next step. I don't follow Gator men's tennis as much as most of the other sports, but what gives?

swimfan99 · 02-18-2013, 12:46 AM

And ended the weekend with a 4-1 loss to host, #16 Washington. Not a good weekend at all. I know shelton was the right hire, the recruits for next year are top notch and he is a terrific coach. We just don't have any top notch guys right now. Still a top 16 team, but I think once Shelton puts his stamp on things, fans will finally see a top 5 program. No excuse to not be.

**apkgator** · 02-18-2013, 08:52 AM

Agree with swimfan.... we are right where we have been the last few years, somewhere between 8-20 and capable of losing to anyone in that range but also capable of pulling a top 5 upset on a good day.
Next year the talent will be better, and I think Shelton will take them to the next level. But he may be 2-3 years from really building a true challenger.

**hocgators** · 02-18-2013, 08:56 AM

It is a work in progress. It takes time to build your own program.

**apkgator** · 02-18-2013, 08:12 PM

I think this is exactly why Foley made a change...program was just kind of stuck in this 8-16 range and unable to break into the truly elite. Give Shelton 2-3 classes and it will be interesting.

ApexNC · 02-18-2013, 09:46 PM

Great to hear

swimfan99 · 02-23-2013, 04:15 PM

2-2 with #20 Baylor. 2 matches going to a 3rd, Diep trying to force a 3rd. Gators lost the doubles point and #1 singles. Johnson and piro got wins at 3 and 6

swimfan99 · 02-23-2013, 05:19 PM

Federhofer won, but Alford squandered a 4-3 lead and break, to lose 4-6. Diep down 2-3 on serve, winner takes the match

swimfan99 · 02-23-2013, 05:39 PM

Lost 4-3. Losing doubles in every big match, we just aren't good enough to win 4 singles matches against the top teams.

**apkgator** · 02-23-2013, 07:26 PM

Kind of the same match we have been seeing for last few years, just can't get over the hump in too many of these close matches. Seems like we are down 0-2 after doubles and #1 singles in every match.
Nice to see Luke Johnson get a win at 6, and there where some good battles but you have to start winning some of these matches.

gatorbogey · 02-23-2013, 10:00 PM

i caught some of the action during the tailgatoring festivities before the baseball game. really spirited match. the reaction and vocalization by the baylor players and coaches really got the crowd going. one baylor player piro was playing apparently called some balls that looked on the line as 'out' and that really really got everyone intense. seems like there's a bit of rivalry w/ baylor. i know they used to be top 5 - not too long ago. wonder if that's when it got testy between the teams? while i was watching, alford rallied to take the lead, then win his first set. seemed to be frustrating his opponent. i leave to go to the baseball game and he ends up losing. >

baylor players seemed to be bombing every shot.