COLUMBIA, S.C.- The Wofford men’s tennis team opened the 2009 season on the road Saturday falling to the #52 ranked Gamecocks of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. by a 6-1 margin. The Terriers are now 0-1 on the young season while the Gamecocks improve to 1-0.
“I can’t say that I ever enjoy losing, but I am pleased with today’s effort. The guys were prepared to play and they tried hard. Today’s match will help us and I believe our better play will come soon,” noted Head Coach Rod Ray.
The Terriers did come to play however and had the Gamecocks on the ropes in the opening doubles portion of the match as the freshmen duo of Danny Manlow and Stuart Robertson held a late break on court one, as did Tinus van Vyk and Alan Donald on court three. However, South Carolina battled back to take both matches by scores of 9-7 on court one and 9-8 (5) on court three, to go along with an 8-5 win on court two to take the lone doubles points.
Trailing 1-0 heading into singles play the Terriers continued to fight against the 52nd ranked Gamecocks but were only able to come away with one victory. Playing the number five position, van Wyk picked up his first career collegiate win over Thomas Stoddard by a score of 4-6, 6-4. 1-0 (10-8). Ray Stated, “ I am happy for Tinus van Wyk for getting his fist college win in his career.”
The Terriers return to action Sunday as they travel to take on ACC power Georgia Tech. “I am looking forward to playing what should be a very strong Georgia Tech team,” said Ray. Match time is slated for 2 p.m. in Atlanta, Ga.
