By outreach@cw.ua.edu (Ben Boynton)
On Thursday at 1 p.m. CT, the No. 8 seeded Crimson Tide will begin SEC Tournament play against No. 9 seed Ole Miss. The men’s tennis team previously faced the Rebels on April 3, winning 4-3 in Oxford, Mississippi.
“It helps that we have faced them earlier in the season as well as beaten them, however you can never assume [anything],” coach George Husack said. “It’s tournament time, and every point is going to be a battle. Wins and losses get moved aside and it’s all about who capitalizes on the opportunities presented to them.”
The Crimson Tide ended the regular season with a 14-12 overall record, and 5-7 mark in the SEC. Ole Miss finished 14-9, and also went 5-7 against the SEC. The winner of the match moves on to the quarterfinals against No. 1 seed Georgia.
The Crimson Tide has had some real success this season in doubles play. They are 20-6 in the doubles point, and have won the last nine. Sophomore Korey Lovett and freshman Mazen Osama are currently the No. 4 pair in the country, the highest doubles ranking in program history. Osama is also ranked No. 50 in singles, with Lovett checking in at No. 79.
The Crimson Tide also has a decent chance at playing in the NCAA Tournament this year. Alabama is currently No. 40 in the ITA Rankings, and the team’s winning record gives it a shot at an at-large bid for the Tournament. If the Crimson Tide wins the SEC Tournament, it will receive an automatic bid.
Coming into the tournament with a two match losing streak and having lost four of the last five matches isn’t ideal, but Husack is confident in his team’s ability.
“I think the last couple of matches have taken a toll on us physically and mentally, but I’m 110% confident in our ability to face adversity and perform well,” Husack said. “We’ve had close matches all year that have prepared us for this moment. We are ready to go.”
Source:: The Crimson White Sports
