The South Carolina men’s tennis team began its Southeastern Conference (SEC) season with a 4-3 victory over No. 18 Oklahoma on Saturday in Norman, Oklahoma. The Gamecocks, ranked No. 34 nationally, improved their record to 8-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
In doubles competition, South Carolina recovered from early deficits on all three courts. The top pair of Lucas da Silva and Paul Barbier Gazeu secured a 6-4 win against Luis Alvarez and Bruno Nhavene, marking their eighth consecutive doubles victory together and maintaining an undefeated record for the season in dual matches. At the No. 2 position, Sean Daryabeigi and Max Stenzer clinched the doubles point for the Gamecocks with a 7-5 upset over Orel Kimhi and Johan Rodriguez, who are ranked No. 71.
Singles play was closely contested. The Gamecocks won first sets at the top three positions while Oklahoma took the opening sets at the bottom three spots. After straight-set losses by Atakan Karahan and Max Stenzer put Oklahoma ahead 2-1, Paul Barbier Gazeu leveled the match with a straight-set win over Johan Rodriguez.
Daryabeigi’s match went to a third set but he was defeated by Luis Alvarez as Oklahoma regained the lead at 3-2. Da Silva responded for South Carolina by winning his final set against Oscar Lacides to tie the match at three points each.
The outcome was decided on court six where freshman Charlie Swaine overcame Hank Trondson in three sets. Swaine led early in the final set before his opponent drew even at 3-3; after trading games to reach 4-4, Swaine won two consecutive games to secure both his singles match and the overall team victory for South Carolina.
South Carolina will conclude its road trip against No. 29 Arkansas on Monday, February 23.
For more information about South Carolina men’s tennis, updates are available at GamecocksOnline.com or through social media (@GamecockMTennis).
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