It's a six-letter word. It starts with an 'E.' And it's what UF coach Andy Jackson said has been a constant on a team that plays five freshmen.
"I think our season's been extremely consistent with the thing that is the most important, which is their effort," Jackson said.
After enjoying eight days off since their last match, the No. 12 Gators will play host to No. 13 Tennessee on Tuesday at 2 p.m.
The match, originally scheduled for March 7, was postponed due to inclement weather and forced UF (7-4, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) to take to the courts a little earlier than planned, as its next match was scheduled for Friday at Mississippi.
Jackson said the time off will be important for his young team in the long run but might leave the players a little rusty against the Volunteers.
That's where the E-word enters.
"That's the focus with the Tennessee match," Jackson said. "We want another first-class effort, and then we'll let the chips fall where they may."
UF fell at home to defending national champion No. 3 Georgia in its last match on March 9, 5-2, but it wasn't far from pulling the upset.
UF was edged on the doubles courts when the No. 59 duo of senior Greg Ouellette and freshman Jeff Dadamo lost 9-8 (4) to give Georgia the deciding point, 2-1.
Dadamo then dropped his singles match in three sets, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Those two points swung the match in Georgia's favor and handed the Gators their first conference loss.
Now, UF will look to rebound against another tough SEC foe.
"Our team, in the Georgia match and before that, has really shown that they're willing to work and to fight hard," Jackson said. "It showed that we can compete at the level that Georgia is right now, which is a national championship contender."
The Volunteers (13-1, 2-1 SEC) have won three straight and are 3-0 on the road this season.
Their only loss was a 4-3 squeaker at the hands of No. 5 Mississippi. It was also the only match in which Tennessee failed to win the doubles point all season.
Though it is still early in the conference season, Tuesday's match is essentially a must-win for both teams to stay in the SEC regular-season race. It is especially important for the youthful Gators, who have a road match against the Rebels looming on Friday.
"In terms of the conference race, it's crucial for both to have a chance to win the conference," Jackson said. "But for us, the more important thing is that we just are continuing to learn and develop. The main thing that counts is the NCAA Tournament."
