Gamecocks Sweep SEC Weekly Awards

COLUMBIA, S.C. – No. 14 South Carolina men’s tennis earned a pair of SEC weekly honors, announced by the league office on Wednesday. Senior Lucas da Silva was named SEC Player of the Week and redshirt freshman Paul Barbier Gazeu was selected as SEC Freshman of the Week.

The recognition marks the first SEC Player of the Week honor of da Silva’s career and the second SEC Freshman of the Week award this season for Barbier Gazeu.

Da Silva went undefeated in both singles and doubles competition last week, helping the Gamecocks secure a 4-0 sweep over South Carolina State before leading the team to a 4-1 victory over No. 20 Duke which marked South Carolina’s third ranked win of the season. With singles victories against both opponents, the senior is now riding a three-match win streak, with all wins coming in straight sets. Against Duke, da Silva earned his second ranked win of the dual season, defeating No. 47 Cooper Williams. 

Barbier Gazeu also delivered an undefeated week in both singles and doubles action, helping power South Carolina to dominant wins over South Carolina State and No. 20 Duke. The redshirt freshman picked up straight-set victories in both of his singles matches and delivered the clinching point in the Gamecocks’ 4-1 win over the Blue Devils. His match-clinching performance included the first ranked win of his collegiate career, defeating No. 78 Gerard Planelles Ripoll in straight sets (6-4, 6-4).

In doubles, da Silva and Barbier Gazeu continued their strong run as the pair extended its win streak to five matches, including four consecutive victories from the No. 1 position. Against Duke the duo picked up their second ranked doubles win over No. 36.

The Gamecocks begin SEC play on Sat., Feb 21 on the road, facing Oklahoma at 1:00 p.m. (ET).

For the latest South Carolina men’s tennis information, continue to follow GamecocksOnline.com or the team on social media (@GamecockMTennis).