South Carolina’s men’s tennis team received two Southeastern Conference (SEC) weekly awards, according to an announcement from the league office on Wednesday. Senior Lucas da Silva was named SEC Player of the Week, while redshirt freshman Paul Barbier Gazeu earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors.
This is the first time da Silva has been recognized as SEC Player of the Week. For Barbier Gazeu, it is his second selection as SEC Freshman of the Week this season.
Da Silva achieved an undefeated record in both singles and doubles matches last week. His performance contributed to South Carolina’s 4-0 win over South Carolina State and a 4-1 victory against No. 20 Duke, marking the team’s third ranked win this season. Da Silva recorded singles victories against both teams and is currently on a three-match winning streak, all secured in straight sets. Against Duke, he earned his second ranked singles win of the dual season by defeating No. 47 Cooper Williams.
Barbier Gazeu also went undefeated in singles and doubles play last week. He helped lead South Carolina to wins over South Carolina State and Duke, securing straight-set victories in his singles matches. Barbier Gazeu clinched the decisive point for the Gamecocks in their match against Duke with a straight-set win over No. 78 Gerard Planelles Ripoll (6-4, 6-4), which was his first career ranked victory.
In doubles competition, da Silva and Barbier Gazeu extended their winning streak to five matches together, including four consecutive wins at the No. 1 position. The pair also picked up their second ranked doubles win with a victory over Duke’s No. 36-ranked duo.
The Gamecocks will start SEC play on Saturday, February 21, when they travel to face Oklahoma at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
For more updates on South Carolina men’s tennis, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow @GamecockMTennis on social media.
