Mike Alford has had a chance to be the hero in Florida's past three matches, but he has come through just once for the Gators in match-deciding points.
Coach Bryan Shelton emphasizes on-court aggressiveness. In high-pressure situations, such as clinching matches, Shelton says the more aggressive player wins.
Alford, who plays with a methodical style, is consistently one of the last Gators on the court. He has yet to respond to Shelton's philosophy.
“There has been some resistance with him wanting to step up and play that style of tennis,” Shelton said. “We know he can do it, and he has done it in certain matches for us this season, but we have to consistently push him to step up.”
Alford will need to step up this weekend when Florida travels to Athens, Ga., to take on No. 5 Georgia today. UF will face No. 6 Tennessee on Sunday.
“It probably takes Mike a long time to brush his teeth and comb his hair,” Shelton said. “He is just one of those guys that just takes it really slow and easy. If the guys are coming off the court at the end of practice, you can be sure that he will be the last guy in the locker room.”
Bob van Overbeek is another player the Gators hope can get things turned around.
Coming into today's match, van Overbeek is 1-6 at the No. 1 singles position.
If he remains at the top spot, van Overbeek will be facing the seventh and sixth-ranked players in collegiate tennis this weekend.
Shelton said it’s a matter of van Overbeek having confidence in his game.
“Whatever you tell yourself, whatever you believe in, you can probably achieve,” Shelton said. “For Bob, it’s just a matter of getting those good thoughts flowing in his head
UF senior Bob van Overbeek returns a volley. Van Overbeek won only his second match since Feb. 3 against Ole Miss on Friday.
