The UF men’s tennis team is still young and so are its players.
But coach Bryan Shelton does not believe that comes as a disadvantage to the 2015 dual season.
Florida had two true freshmen, two redshirt freshmen and a walk-on senior play their first dual meet for the Gators on Saturday — a 9-3 win against William & Mary.
Just like any sport, playing a big game for the first time comes with intimidation and anxiety.
"Did they have nerves? Sure they did, we all have nerves when we’re going out there to compete, especially when you’re wearing the Gator uniform," Shelton said.
One player Shelton pointed out specifically was freshman Chase Perez-Blanco, who made his Gator debut this weekend.
The Miami native had a rough going in his doubles match with partner Richard Brej — the pair lost 10-2 to William & Mary’s duo Will Juggins and Lars de Boer.
But Perez-Blanco went on to dominate in his singles match against William & Mary’s Addison Appleby, clinching all three sets (6-4, 6-2, 6-2).
"Chase didn’t have quite the right intensity level when he took the court in doubles," Shelton said.
"He wasn’t ready from the first point, and I think he learned a valuable lesson there. I think the loss sometimes accelerates the process."
While Shelton’s team is young, the third-year coach believes the team has two players — sophomores Maxx Lipman and Elliott Orkin — who can provide the knowledge needed to help the freshmen make a smooth transition.
"When you come into a program which you hope that you established as a culture and routines that the younger ones will follow," Shelton said. "Maxx and Elliott have done a nice job of kind of providing that example."
With such a young roster, Florida is confident its players will only continue to grow and develop throughout the season.
"Overall, I feel like we are really able to focus in on what we need to focus in on," Shelton said.
"How do we get better each day? We’re not there yet; we still have a long way to go. But the work ethic, the attention to detail, the amount of respect these guys have for one another … I think some lessons have been learned."
Follow Caylee Underwood on Twitter @CayUnderwood
Freshman Chase Perez-Blanco hits the ball during Florida's 9-3 win against William & Mary at the Ring Tennis Complex.
