April 30, 2008
Miami Gardens, Fla. - The men's and women's tennis teams battled through a 2008 season which had bumps in the road but when the journey was over the two teams grew and were playing impressive tennis.
Head coach Bruce Carrington coached the women's team to a 1-9 (1-4 in Florida Sun Conference) record and the men's team to a 4-9 (2-3 in FSC) record. The men's record was good enough to qualify them for the NAIA Regional XIV Tennis Tournament. Each individual on both teams improved on the court and if they can be more consistent together the young nucleus will produce more wins in the future.
An example of how good the teams could be if they can all play their best game came February 29, 2008 when both teams defeated Warner Southern 9-0. The win was the first win of the season for the women's team and the only time both teams won on the same day. Both doubles teams for the Bobcats won 8-0. Proving to be too much for Warner Southern was the combination of Natalia Ramirez and Adriana Montilla, and the team of Grier Clark and San-nise Crosby.
The men's team won their first game a few days prior on February 25, 2008 sweeping St. Vincent 9-0. The Bobcats won seven games 6-0. In singles play both Adam Perez and Jeremy Bache won 6-0 in two straight games. Ricky Vazquez and Diego Paredes put together the Bobcats most impressive doubles play score, winning 8-1.
The men's team followed their impressive win with another win in conference against Northwood University 5-4. The team won three of the four games played during those seven days. Against Northwood Vazquez performed well winning his singles match 6-0, 6-2 and his doubles match with partner Bache 8-3. Kenneth Evans played well against Northwood also winning his singles match 6-1, 6-1 and also teamed up with Paredes to win a doubles match 8-5.
The women's team did not see their effort produce as many wins but it was not due to effort. Sometimes things just did not work out in their favor, like on March 3, 2008 against the Clayton State Lakers when Clark and Crosby, had a chance to win in doubles play but a default cost the duo the win.