Daniel Cash may not be very sentimental on Saturday when the No. 6 Gators men’s tennis team (16-3, 8-1 Southeastern Conference) celebrates its seniors in the last match of the regular season against South Carolina.
“I don’t really like any of these guys,” Cash said.
Cash was joking, but his laid-back personality stands out in contrast to the rest of the team.
His coach has found a way to make it an advantage on the court.
“It’s been very important at No. 3 doubles,” UF coach Andy Jackson said. “He’s played with Bob (Van Overbeek) who’s young and energetic, but sometimes uptight. Daniel has helped Bob play really well in doubles this season.”
Statistically, doubles has been the Norwegian senior's lone contribution this season, but he’s involved as a teammate. Van Overbeek recently credited Cash’s encouragement from the stands with helping shift the momentum in his singles match against Gerogia’s Drake Bernstein. Cash enjoys helping his freshman teammate.
“Since I’m not playing singles myself, I try to help the team out just being out there, being loud,” Cash said.
Saturday will also be senior day for Antoine Benneteau.
For Benneteau, it’s been a season that started with being bounced around at various positions on the court. He’s now found a regular spot at the No. 3 position, where he has been a reliable contributor in many close matches.
The French senior said his coach’s confidence in him kept the position changes from being an issue. Regardless of which number court he plays on, Benneteau has always had the home crowd’s support.
“They have been very supportive over the years,” Benneteau said. “I remember hearing ‘good job, Antoine’ or ‘great watching you’ when I would walk in the stands after my singles matches.”
Despite heading into an emotional match, Jackson wants his team focused on the opponent rather than the day’s ceremonies.
“It’s an enjoyable day and enjoyment comes from performance,” Jackson said. “South Carolina will be a good test. We can’t be looking back four years.”
The No. 3 women’s squad (20-2, 10-0 SEC) will look to close out conference play undefeated when it faces the No. 18 Gamecocks (14-6, 7-3 SEC) on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Columbia, S.C.
