Feb. 13, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. – No. 46 South Carolina men’s tennis hosts Elon at 1 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 14, at the USC Field House. It is the third of four straight home matches for the Gamecocks leading into the Southeastern Conference schedule in early March. South Carolina (4-2) continues to shake up its singles lineup, using five different alignments in its six matches this season.

South Carolina senior Pedro Campos has been the most consistent player in the singles lineup, posting a 4-1 record while splitting time between the Nos. 1 and 2 positions. His lone loss came in three sets, and he has lost just seven games in his last two matches. Campos has been just as efficient on the doubles court, teaming with senior Ivan Cressoni for a 4-2 mark with all but one match in the No. 2 spot. The duo brings a two-match win streak into Sunday’s contest. Freshman Alexander Kostanov is also 4-1 on the singles side in dual matches having played in the Nos. 3, 4 and 5 spots. Two of the first-year Gamecock’s victories have come in three sets, including a crucial victory over NC State’s No. 4 competitor in Tuesday’s 4-3 South Carolina victory. Kostanov has a matching 4-1 record in doubles, working with junior Johannes Pulsfort to provide consistent play in the No. 3 position.

Elon is 0-4 to open the season, pending the outcome of a Saturday matchup against North Florida. Junior Chase Helpingstine has been the most effective player this spring with a 3-1 record, mostly at the No. 3 position. The Phoenix have struggled in doubles, posting just one victory in 12 doubles matches.

South Carolina holds a 5-1 edge in the series against Elon, including victories in the last two meetings. All six matches have been played in Columbia. The lone win for the Phoenix was a 4-1 decision over then-No. 37 South Carolina on Feb. 24, 2007.