On Friday afternoon, the No. 52 ranked Tennessee Volunteers men’s tennis team will take on SEC opponent Alabama in Barksdale Stadium.
The Vols are 10-8 on the season and 2-4 in SEC play, but a win this Friday could provide momentum as the SEC tournament approaches.
Mikelis Libietis and Hunter Reese are finding their stride as the season winds down after their 6-2 win over the top-ranked Vanderbilt duo of Gonzales Austin and Rhys Johnson.
“They were number one in the rankings and we go in and we know we can beat them,” Libietis said. “So we went out there and proved to them that we were still there.”
The Vols are looking to stay in form as the season winds down. Although Alabama has a record of 13-12 and a 2-5 record in SEC play, this is a matchup the Vols must take seriously.
With a rough schedule approaching, with matches against opponents such as No. 13 University of Mississippi, and others, a strong outing and a win against the No. 62 Alabama squad is crucial.
As a team, the Vols had a tough last outing as they lost 4-1 to Vanderbilt. Now they have to regroup and take a match against an Alabama team that has given them trouble in the past.
Alabama’s doubles teams have had the Vols’ number in the recent past. They have dealt two losses to the Vols’ No. 1 duo over the past two meetings.
“They’ve got our number and they’ll come out like everyone else,” Reese said. “They’re playing one of the best teams in the country. So they’re going to come out swinging, and we just have to be ready for that.
“Again, if the results don’t come, then they would’ve had to play a hell of a match to beat us.”
The Vols have to start strong and continue pushing forward through this Alabama side and into this rough stretch. They also need to get healthy and continue to play strong.
“Physically, I’ve been struggling,” Libietis said. “I’m a little bit injured but I’m handling it and playing well. Just not looking back to it.”
This match will be a good test for the Vols as a team and is one that will tell how they will play the rest of the season. While it may not be the toughest team on their schedule, the Vols need to give a strong effort and get on the same page.
“When we get all six guys clicking it’s going to be good for us,” Hunter said. “So what I’m focused on for Alabama, personally, is to keep giving that 100 percent effort and keep giving what I’ve got and I want to see that from all six guys. “
