Gamecocks Gear Up for Texas Showdown: Key Matchups Ahead
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The anticipation is palpable this week as the No. 26 South Carolina men’s tennis team embarks on the **Texas road trip**, facing off against two formidable top 15 opponents. Kicking off the action, the Gamecocks challenge the No. 12 Texas A&M on Friday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m. (ET), before heading to Austin for a showdown against the No. 4 Texas on Sunday, March 30, at 2:00 p.m. (ET).
Gamecock Highlights
- Current Records: 13-5 (overall), 7-2 (SEC), 9-1 (home), 3-3 (away)
- Ranked third in the SEC, the Gamecocks trail only behind this weekend’s rivals.
- Last week, South Carolina delivered a **4-2 victory over LSU** but stumbled narrowly against a strong No. 20 Mississippi State, losing 3-4. The Gamecocks began the LSU match strongly, clinching the doubles point with impressive performances from Connor Thomson & Lucas Da Silva (6-3) and Casey Hoole & Sean Daryabeigi (6-3). The momentum continued as Atakan Karahan (6-3, 6-4) and Hoole (6-3, 6-4) notched wins. Daryabeigi capped off the match with a remarkable **three-set comeback** (6-7(5), 6-0, 6-0) to secure the victory for South Carolina.
- In their clash with Mississippi State, the Bulldogs captured the doubles point early, and although Karahan (7-6, 6-2), Thomson (6-4, 7-6), and Daryabeigi (7-6, 6-7, 1-0) triumphed in their singles matches, the Gamecocks fell just short of securing an overall victory.
- Daryabeigi shined with a **perfect weekend**, sweeping both his doubles and singles matches against both opponents.
- Rankings highlight: Thomson (No. 54), Daryabeigi (No. 82), and Jelani Sarr (No. 106) are proudly holding titles in the ITA rankings. The dynamic duo of Da Silva & Thomson boasts a season-high rank of No. 15 with an impressive 8-2 record, making them the fifth highest-ranked team in the SEC. Meanwhile, Karahan & Sarr (No. 87) have recorded a solid 6-3 in dual matches.
- Leading the Gamecocks is Daryabeigi with a stellar **13-3 singles record**, riding a five-match win streak. Hoole and Thomson are also in top form, each with impressive performances entering this weekend.
Opponent Spotlight: The Aggies
- Current Records: 14-5 (overall), 7-1 (SEC), 6-1 (home), 4-3 (away)
- Holding down second place in the SEC standings, Texas A&M is riding high after a dominant **seven-match winning streak**, including a recent 4-0 sweep of No. 50 Ole Miss.
- The Aggies’ lone SEC loss came against then-No. 3 Texas, and they will be looking to defend their home turf fiercely. Key players include the highly ranked **Theo Papamalamis (No. 32)** with a solid 10-4 record, along with JC Roddick (No. 43) at 8-6 in dual matches. Their doubles team of Togan Tokac & Papamalamis ranks No. 30 with a record of 5-2, showcasing their doubles prowess.
Opponent Spotlight: The Longhorns
- Current Records: 17-3 (overall), 8-0 (SEC), 12-0 (home), 3-2 (away)
- Fresh off a **4-3 victory against LSU**, Texas is a team to watch out for, currently on a three-match winning streak. Before facing the Gamecocks, the Longhorns will host No. 35 Kentucky.
- Boasting a quartet of players in the ITA singles rankings, Texas shines with Timo Legout (No. 3), Sebastian Gorzny (No. 19), Pierre-Yves Bailly (No. 46), and Jonah Braswell (No. 53). Each has been delivering stellar performances this season, with Legout achieving a commendable 13-2 in dual matches.
- In the doubles arena, Legout & Lucas Brown feature prominently, ranked No. 8 with an **8-6** record in dual competition this season.
Historic Matchups
- The Aggies hold the edge in the all-time series against the Gamecocks, leading at 16-6, with South Carolina’s last victory over Texas A&M occurring in 2023.
- Meanwhile, the Longhorns have a significant historical advantage, leading the series at 9-1. The Gamecocks’ last win against Texas was back in **1978**, marking this weekend’s matchup as particularly noteworthy as it will be the first clash since Texas joined the SEC.
How to Follow the Action
- Don’t miss a moment of the excitement – catch live coverage of the Texas A&M match here.
- For the Texas match, tune in here for live coverage.
Stay in the loop with the latest from South Carolina men’s tennis by following along at GamecocksOnline.com or connecting with the team on social media (@GamecockMTennis). The Gamecocks are motivated and ready to battle for supremacy on the Texas courts this weekend!
