After nearly three weeks of warming up, the UF men’s tennis team froze on Thursday night.
No. 17 Florida dropped its Southeastern Conference opener to No. 7 Georgia 4-1 on Thursday at the Ring Tennis Complex.
Doubles duo Maxx Lipman and Elliot Orkin started off the match with a jump-start in doubles play, eliminating its opponents Eric Diaz and Nathan Pasha 6-1 on the No. 2 court.
But Florida’s other two courts struggled to bring in a win during doubles play, giving the Bulldogs the 1-0 lead heading into singles play.
No. 47 doubles pair Diego Hidalgo and Gordon Watson fell to the No.10 doubles duo Austin Smith and Ben Wagland after putting up a fight in a double tie break.
What seemed to be an optimistic night for the Gators (5-3, 0-1 SEC), the team failed to start its SEC play on a good note.
The disappointment didn’t stop at doubles. After all but one of Florida’s six singles players fell short in their first singles set, the Gators confidence started to roll downhill.
Orkin brought in the Gators solo point for the night after defeating Georgia’s Nick Wood in straight sets.
“I’m proud of Elliot for winning in straight sets against a guy he lost to here last year,” coach Bryan Shelton said. “Kid has worked hard, he’s always working and trying to get better and he is getting better and I’m glad I got to see him come through tonight again in singles and in doubles, I guess he was our MVP tonight.”
Before Gator fans knew it the game was over, 4-1 Georgia Bulldogs.
“They just looked a little more battle tested than us and so on the big moments and some of the big points they came through a little bit more than we did tonight, they were able to win four matches,” Shelton said. “Again, hats off to Georgia.”
Shelton refuses to let one game define what his players are capable of, if anything, the third year coach believes the best is yet to come.
“I think you know in this league, like I said, every match is a tough match and so for us its just learning from this,” Shelton said “You know, its just one. It’s early days and I think we pride ourselves on getting better each day…I look forward to getting better on Saturday against South Carolina.
Florida can now only build off their performance against UGA to put forth in the rest of the season. Shelton is determined that his players will do just that.
“I think losing motivates you,” he said. “If it doesn’t you’re at the wrong place.”
Florida will continue its SEC play at Rings Tennis Complex Saturday at 1 p.m. against the No.21-ranked South Carolina.
Follow Caylee Underwood on Twitter @CayUnderwood
Elliott Orkin returns a ball during Florida's 9-3 win against William & Mary on Saturday at the Ring Tennis Complex.
