The LSU men (6-0) cracked the Top 10 in men’s tennis for the first time since the 2000 season. The Tigers moved up five spots in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association poll after defeating the No. 20 Texas Longhorns.
The Longhorns proved to be the Tigers’ toughest competition this season. Saturday’s 5-2 victory was Texas’ first home loss since 2000.
LSU hosts the University of New Orleans (3-2) Saturday at 1 p.m. The Privateers split their dual matches this past weekend, losing to New Mexico State 4-3 on Friday and defeating Denver 4-3 on Saturday. The deciding factor in both matches were doubles results, both contests resulting in 3-3 singles scores.
“[UNO] beat Denver who is ranked in the top 70,” said LSU coach Jeff Brown. “Everyone is capable of competing with the level of depth we have in college tennis. I expect them to be at the level of ULL, who is a top 70 team.”
Despite their No. 10 ranking, the Tigers remain third behind conference rivals Ole Miss and Florida, ranked nationally at No. 2 and No. 4, respectively.
The Lady Tigers (7-1) defeated Florida State on Sunday in a tight 4-3 contest.
They relied on roster spots 4-6 and doubles success to squeak out a victory against the Seminoles.
While bottom-roster depth and success in doubles have been the recipe for success for the Lady Tigers, they will need wins from top to bottom on their roster against defending national champion Florida (4-0) Friday.
The Lady Tigers will travel to Gainesville, Fla., for their Southeastern Conference opener to face a No. 2 Gators team that is stockpiled with talent. Florida competes with four players in the top 100 in singles, and their doubles teams are ranked No. 8, No. 13 and No. 33 in the country.
The Gators are fresh off a thumping against No. 16 Texas with a 7-0 victory Sunday in Gainesville.
Lady Tigers coach Tony Minnis said this is a match his team is ready to play.
“It’s a great opportunity to go out and put yourself on the map,” Minnis said. “This is why you come to LSU because you have a chance to compete against the best in the nation.”
They will go from Gainesville to Columbia, S.C., to take on the Gamecocks (3-2). Minnis said he does not plan to play different players for Sunday’s match, however, Minnis said he will need to fill a roster spot for junior Amanda Mang, who injured her hand and could be out for the season.