Miami Rolls Over the Crimson Tide 5-2

March 17, 2012

CORAL GABLES, Fla.—The University of Miami Hurricanes came from behind to snatch a 5-2 win against Alabama on Saturday, March 17 at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.

“I’m very proud of the entire team. It was a battle out here today. Alabama is a strong SEC team, and they have a really strong lineup,” said Head Coach Mario Rincon.

Alabama earned the first point of the day in doubles play. Omar Aly and Wilfredo Gonzalez fell to Jarryd Botha and Ricky Doverspike 8-4 in the No. 1 position, and Henrique Tsukamoto and Mark Schanerman lost to David Vieyra and Michael Thompson 8-4 in the No. 3 position. After bringing their set to a 7-7 tie, the duo of Gabriel Flores and Diego Soto stole a win for Miami, taking down Vikram Reddy and Carlos Taborga 8-7.

The Canes fought back in singles play, as Diego Soto clinched the first Miami point of the day against David Vieyra 6-4, 6-3 and was one of only two players to end his match in two sets.

“We were so excited for Diego to get an early victory and get us back in after losing the doubles point,” said Assistant Coach Mark Dickson.

Omar Aly fell to Ricky Doverspike 6-2, 7-6 in the No. 2 position and was the only Miami loss of the day in singles play.

“For Omar to fight back and get into a tiebreaker in his second set, it really gave momentum to the other courts,” said Dickson.

Gabriel Flores took down Jarryd Botha at No. 1 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. This match began a string of  four straight wins for the Canes.

“Gabriel had an amazing win for us. That was a great win at No. 1 and when he won that match it carried over to the other courts,” said Rincon.

In an intense match, Wilfredo Gonzalez fought his way to a victory against Danill Proskura 3-6, 7-6, 6-2 in the No. 3 position. Gonzalez came from behind in the tiebreaker to defeat his opponent.

Victor Mauz defeated his opponent Michael Thompson 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

“Victor had a terrific victory at No. 6. He fought so hard. He was in a big hole, but he came back and won,” said Dickson.

Henrique Tsukamoto seized the final singles point and sealed the 5-2 Miami victory. He defeated opponent Vikram Reddy 7-6, 1-6, 6-3 in the No. 4 position.

“This was the best that you could imagine for college tennis. Mario and I couldn’t be more proud of these guys,” said Dickson.

Next week, Miami will host fellow ACC teams North Carolina State and Wake Forest. The Canes take on the Wolfpack on March 23 at 2 p.m. and the Demon Deacons on March 25 at 12 p.m., both at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.

Complete Results

Singles

1. Gabriel Flores (UM) def. Jarryd Botha (BAMA) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
2. Ricky Doverspike (BAMA) def. Omar Aly (UM) 6-2, 7-6
3. Wilfredo Gonzalez (UM) def. Danill Proskura (BAMA) 3-6, 7-6, 6-2
4. Henrique Tsukamoto (UM) def. Vikram Reddy (BAMA) 7-6, 1-6, 6-3
5. Diego Soto (UM) def. David Vieyra (BAMA) 6-4, 6-3
6. Victor Mauz (UM) def. Michael Thompson (BAMA) 6-4, 2-6, 6-4

Doubles 

1. Jarryd Botha/Ricky Doverspike (BAMA) def. Omar Aly/Wilfredo Gonzalez (UM) 8-4
2. Gabriel Flores/Diego Soto (UM) def. Vikram Reddy/Carlos Taborga (BAMA) 8-7
3. David Vieyra/Michael Thompson (BAMA) def. Henrique Tsukamoto/Mark Schanerman (UM) 8-4