O'Keefe Named SEC Athlete of the Week for Second Straight Week

March 29, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. ââ’¬” South Carolina men’s tennis junior Harrison O’Keefe has been named SEC Athlete of the Week, the league office announced Wednesday. The SEC weekly honor is the third of the season for the Gamecocks and second straight honor for O’Keefe coming on the heels of his second top-25 victory this season.

O’Keefe, ranked No. 88 nationally in singles play and No. 47 in doubles play, notched an impressive win over the highest ranked opponent of his career defeating William Bushamuka (17) of Kentucky in a three-set battle (7-6(5), 1-6, 6-2). The triumph broke a 3-3 tie against No. 23 Kentucky giving the Gamecocks their fourth-straight league victory, South Carolina’s most consecutive SEC wins since 2013.

The weekend’s victory increased his record to 15-5 overall, tied for the best on the team, and 5-2 in conference play, leading the team in SEC singles wins. In addition, three of O’Keefe’s last four victories came against ranked opponents.

In doubles play, he added a 2-0 record on the weekend, both over ranked opponents, with teammate Yancy Dennis to improve his doubles record to 14-4 overall and 5-2 in the SEC, both records tie the team best.

The Gamecocks hit the road to face Alabama Saturday, April 1 at the Alabama Tennis Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. For more information on South Carolina men’s tennis, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram at gamecockMtennis, or visit GamecocksOnline.com for updates.

Results
Singles
3/24 Daniel Valent, Vanderbilt (41) L, 6-2, 6-3
3/26 William Bushamuka (17), Kentucky (23) W, 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-2

Doubles
3/24 McPhee/Rowe (39), Vanderbilt (41) W, 6-3
3/26 Bushamuka/Ellefsen (77), Kentucky (23) W, 6-1