Foxes Take on Gators in NCCA Tournament
Jim Urso
Issue date: 5/7/09 Section: Sports
For the last week, Marist men's tennis coach Tim Smith has received calls from reporters, colleagues, and friends, all with the same question.
"What do you think coach, can you pull off a first round upset?"
Smith is quick to remind them that this isn't the NCAA basketball tournament, and that parity hardly exists in collegiate Olympic sports like tennis, crew, and swimming.
"This isn't David versus Goliath," Smith said. "This is David versus six Goliaths."
On Friday, the Red Foxes will make their seventh trip to the NCAA tournament, visiting national powerhouse Florida in Gainesville. The Gators are ranked 10th in the nation, and have made it to the "Sweet 16" in seven of the last eight years. Two of their players are ranked among the top 64 in the nation, and three were named to the All-SEC team (Southeastern Conference). The SEC is arguably the best collegiate tennis conference in the nation.
Marist finished 12-3, clinching its second consecutive MAAC championship against Fairfield on April 18. Four players were named to the All-MAAC singles first team, while two double teams received All-MAAC first team recognition. Additionally, two other singles players received second team honors.
Large universities like Florida can expend more resources on coaching staffs, scholarships, trainers, and facilities. Also, schools from warmer weather climates have optimal training conditions. This puts Marist in a tough position, one which Smith and his players thrive on.
"Our kids are excited about going to the University of Florida and I like their tennis facility, which I have been to," Smith said.
"It is such a great tournament everyone wants to participate in and I am so happy and proud of team," MAAC tournament MOP (Most Outstanding Player) and Co-captain Loic Sessagesimi said.
Smith expects players to uphold the professional, classy attitude they've exuded through the entire season. He hopes players will be competitive in many games and sets, emphasizing the importance of extending the length of games and sets.
"Since all singles matches are played at once, the longer and harder each player fights, the longer it will take for Florida to clinch the match," Smith said.
If the matches last longer, potentially close sets and matches could be stolen by Marist.
Smith expects players to adapt to a risk-taking and offensive style of play. When a neutral ball is received, players should be aggressive and put Florida in a defensive position.
Players argue they're more experienced, citing last year's NCAA tournament match versus SEC opponent Ole Miss.
"We are the big underdog and we have absolutely nothing to lose," Sessagesimi said. "We will play our hearts out and see what happens"
Marist will meet Florida at 4 p.m. on Friday.
"What do you think coach, can you pull off a first round upset?"
Smith is quick to remind them that this isn't the NCAA basketball tournament, and that parity hardly exists in collegiate Olympic sports like tennis, crew, and swimming.
"This isn't David versus Goliath," Smith said. "This is David versus six Goliaths."
On Friday, the Red Foxes will make their seventh trip to the NCAA tournament, visiting national powerhouse Florida in Gainesville. The Gators are ranked 10th in the nation, and have made it to the "Sweet 16" in seven of the last eight years. Two of their players are ranked among the top 64 in the nation, and three were named to the All-SEC team (Southeastern Conference). The SEC is arguably the best collegiate tennis conference in the nation.
Marist finished 12-3, clinching its second consecutive MAAC championship against Fairfield on April 18. Four players were named to the All-MAAC singles first team, while two double teams received All-MAAC first team recognition. Additionally, two other singles players received second team honors.
Large universities like Florida can expend more resources on coaching staffs, scholarships, trainers, and facilities. Also, schools from warmer weather climates have optimal training conditions. This puts Marist in a tough position, one which Smith and his players thrive on.
"Our kids are excited about going to the University of Florida and I like their tennis facility, which I have been to," Smith said.
"It is such a great tournament everyone wants to participate in and I am so happy and proud of team," MAAC tournament MOP (Most Outstanding Player) and Co-captain Loic Sessagesimi said.
Smith expects players to uphold the professional, classy attitude they've exuded through the entire season. He hopes players will be competitive in many games and sets, emphasizing the importance of extending the length of games and sets.
"Since all singles matches are played at once, the longer and harder each player fights, the longer it will take for Florida to clinch the match," Smith said.
If the matches last longer, potentially close sets and matches could be stolen by Marist.
Smith expects players to adapt to a risk-taking and offensive style of play. When a neutral ball is received, players should be aggressive and put Florida in a defensive position.
Players argue they're more experienced, citing last year's NCAA tournament match versus SEC opponent Ole Miss.
"We are the big underdog and we have absolutely nothing to lose," Sessagesimi said. "We will play our hearts out and see what happens"
Marist will meet Florida at 4 p.m. on Friday.
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