Men's Tennis Opens ACC Play at Florida State

Feb. 25, 2011

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. – The No. 39 University of Miami men’s tennis team opens Atlantic Coast Conference play at 28th-ranked Florida State on Saturday at noon at the Scott Speicher Tennis Center.

The Hurricanes (4-3), who are back in action following Sunday’s 6-1 win over Florida Atlantic, are in the midst of a four-game stretch versus in-state opponents, including three straight on the road beginning with the Seminoles. Miami leads the all-time series between the long-time opponents, 45-13. Following the ACC opener, the Hurricanes are back in non-conference play at UCF on March 4 and USF on March 6.

“We are excited to start our ACC schedule against FSU,” said Miami head coach Mario Rincon. “They have a talented team from top to bottom, and we anticipate having a great match against them.”

Senior Christian Blöcker leads the Hurricanes with a 5-2 mark at No. 2 and an 8-8 overall record, while fellow senior Eduardo Pavia – who has played at No. 4, 5, and 6 this spring – brings an 11-7 mark into Saturday.

The Seminoles (5-4) ride a three-match skid – all to top-10 opponents, and are led by a pair of ranked players in No. 26 Vahid Mirzadeh and No. 62 Clint Bowles. In addition, Mirzadeh teams up with Connor Smith as the nation’s 13th-ranked doubles tandem. Saturday also marks the first ACC competition for FSU.

Admission to the match is free.