Feb. 28, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina men’s tennis team begins Southeastern Conference play this weekend, traveling to Kentucky on Friday and Vanderbilt on Sunday.

The Gamecocks have compiled a 7-2 non-conference record this season, including wins over Charlotte, Davidson, Wofford and Appalachian State. Sophomore Pedro Campos leads the squad with an 8-1 dual-match record, while the 58th-ranked doubles team of sophomore Diego Cubas and senior Yevgeny Supeko lead USC with a 6-1 mark.

Kentucky enters SEC play ranked 54th in the ITA rankings with a 5-5 record on the year. UK most recently played their first outdoor match of the season, falling to No. 11 Baylor, 7-0. The Wildcats hold a 20-9 record in the all-time series with the Gamecocks, including a 4-2 victory last season in Lexington. Pacing UK this season is Bruno Agostinelli, ranked No. 36 in the ITA individual ranks this week.

Vanderbilt enters weekend action ranked No. 29 in the ITA rankings with a 7-1 record. The Commodores will face Florida on Friday prior to their match with the Gamecocks on Sunday in Nashville. South Carolina holds a 12-6 record in the all-time series between the two schools. Vanderbilt won last season’s match in Columbia, 5-2. Vijay Paul, ranked No. 68 in singles, leads the Commodores this season.

Please visit www.GamecocksOnline.com throughout the weekend for updated results.