Super Bulldog Weekend was not so super for the 15th ranked Mississippi State men’s tennis team as they fell to the 7th ranked Florida Gators and 22nd ranked South Carolina Gamecocks 7-0 and 5-2, respectively.
With the losses, MSU falls to 11-7 overall and 6-4 in Southeastern Conference play.
Friday, Netmen head coach Sylvain Guichard said he was disappointed with the overall outcome. However, there were some good things that could be taken away from the contest.
“Florida showed why they are leading the SEC today,” Guichard said. “We were disappointed in some areas, but we fought very hard in others and had some positive things happen at some positions. We played a great team today and knew it would be tough.”
The Netmen have now dropped six of the last seven matches against their divisional rival.
On Sunday the Netmen were unable to reverse their misfortune as the Gamecocks capitalized early and often.
The Gamecocks got on the scoreboard first as they took the first point with wins in doubles.
While in singles, senior Luiz Carvahlo evened the contest at one all with a victory over Dmitry Babenko 6-4, 6-0 at the fourth position.
However, the Gamecocks ran off two consecutive wins to hold off the Bulldogs.
Freshman Pierre Mouillon pulled the Netmen closer with a come-from-behind victory over the 106th ranked Jaime Cuellar 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 at the third spot. Mouillon has now won 11 of 12 singles matches.
Junior Florent Girod emphasized the importance of remaining positive and focused.
“There are still great things to do in the SEC,” Girod said.
Freshman Philipe Frayssinoux reiterated Girod’s sentiments and added that team chemistry and support are key ingredients to future success.
The Netmen will close out the regular season Friday against rival Ole Miss at the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre at 1 p.m.