Gonzalez Shines in Match vs. No. 23 Florida State

March 4, 2012

CORAL GABLES, Fla.–The No. 52 University of Miami men’s tennis team fell to No. 23 Florida State, 6-1, on Sunday, March 4 at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.

The match was delayed due to inclement weather, and the match opened with singles play.

Although the Canes fought hard, the Seminoles managed to score the first four singles points of the match and seal the win.

“I’m so proud of our guys’ efforts. They worked so hard for every point, gave it everything they had and fought all the way through to the end of the match. Everything we’re working on in practice they’re starting to do. It’s exciting to see them starting to reach their full potential,” said assistant coach Mark Dickson.

Wilfredo Gonzalez defeated Christian Mendez 6-2, 1-6, 7-6, earning Miami’s only victory of the day.

“Wilfredo had a really good win. He had to come back from being down, and it was a great effort on his part. He’s really coming along and showing how good he will be for Miami,” said Coach Mario Rincon.

In doubles, Gonzalez paired up with Omar Aly in the No. 1 position, but came up short, 8-4. Gabriel Flores and Diego Soto lost 8-6 in the No. 2 position and Marco Stancati and Mark Schanerman were defeated 8-0 in the third position.

Flores took Jordan Kelly-Houston to three sets in the top spot, but fell 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Aly and Mauz also lost in three sets, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 and 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 respectively.

Soto and Henrique Tsukamoto each battled tough competition, but lost in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5 and 7-5, 6-2.

“It’s encouraging to see the guys improving every week, and we have a very good schedule in front of us,” added Rincon. “I’m looking forward to it.”

The Canes will face Clemson on March 11 at 1 p.m. at the Hoke Sloan Tennis Center in South Carolina. 

Complete Results
Singles
Jordan Kelly-Houston (FSU) def. Gabriel Flores (UM), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Blake Davis (FSU) def. Omar Aly (UM), 6-4, 3-6, 7-6
Wilfredo Gonzalez (UM) def. Christian Mendez (FSU), 6-2, 1-6, 7-6
Andres Bucaro (FSU) def. Diego Soto (UM), 6-4, 7-5
Jason Zafiros (FSU) def. Henrique Tsukamoto (UM), 7-5, 6-2
Anderson Reed (FSU) def. Victor Mauz (UM), 6-4, 3-6, 6-1

Doubles 
Reed/Cotrone (FSU) def. Gonzalez/Aly (UM), 8-4
Kelly-Houston/Alden (FSU) def. Flores/Soto (UM), 8-6
Bucaro/Lock (FSU) def. Stancati/Schanerman (UM), 8-0