Both the MSU men’s and women’s tennis teams will hit the road this weekend to continue Southeastern Conference competition.The MSU netmen will continue conference play at the Southern Intercollegiate at the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga.
During the four-day tournament, they will face off against many SEC powerhouses.
Despite the high level of competition, MSU assistant coach Matt Hill said the team plans to dominate and to improve on their showing at the Middle Tennessee State tournament.
Senior Philippe Frayssinoux, ranked 40th in the country, took home the most victories in last week’s MTSU tournament.
“Philippe did particularly well last weekend, and I expect him to do just as well this weekend,” Hill said.
The Southern Intercollegiate is a flighted draw tournament with three different draws.
Each team member will be placed in the draws according to their level of skill.
“It’s a really competitive tournament, so lower-level players will not be playing there,” Hill said.
Hill said the fall matches will prepare the Bulldogs for their spring season, which will involve more important matches for the team.
“This particular tournament will help the guys and the new guys to what’s ahead of them in the spring,” he said.
The newest member to the MSU tennis team is freshman Maximilien Genuini from Paris, France.
Last year’s Southern Intercollegiate was an important victory for the team.
The pair of Christopher Doerr and Pjotrs Necajevs took home several wins in doubles competition in the tournament, reaching round 16. On the last day of the competition, however, the team suffered many losses.
“Each weekend we hope to do better,” Hill said.
Hill said the team has practiced well and the coaches have continued to push them to succeed.
“After the summer break, it’s a change for the guys to be pushed so hard every day,” Hill said.
Although the team works well together, there are a few things Hill said he thinks they need to improve on.
“The guys should continue working together as a team and keep supporting each other,” Hill said.