The Gators men's tennis team blanked South Carolina State 4-0 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Friday afternoon at the Ring Tennis Complex in Gainesville. The Gators took the doubles point, led by ITA Southeast Region Senior of the Year Alexandre Lacroix, who set a new Florida record by earning his 100th career doubles victory. Florida then followed up with three quick singles matches as Freshman Spencer Newman won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 6; Junior Nassim Slilam won 6-1, 6-3 at No. 2; and Sophomore Sekou Bangoura Jr. clinched the match with his 6-2, 6-1 victory at No. 3 singles. It was a big day for Bangoura, as he also partnered with Lacroix for Lacroix's record setting doubles win.
The Gators advance to face the Miami Hurricanes in the second round on Saturday at 3pm at the Ring Tennis Complex. The teams last squared off in 2009, with the Gators taking a 5-2 victory in Gainesville. The Gators are currently ranked No. 8 in the country and are the No. 7 seed in the tournament. Miami is ranked No. 27 in the latest poll. Saturday's winner will move on to Stanford, where the remainder of the tournament will be played.