May 9, 2008

NCAA Tournament Notes (PDF)  |  NCAA Bracket

Coral Gables, Fla... The No. 19 University of Miami men's tennis team opens NCAA Tournament play on Saturday versus 42^nd ranked USF at 1 p.m. at the University of Florida's Linder Stadium at Ring Tennis Complex in Gainesville.

The Hurricanes are making their third-straight appearance at the NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championship under fourth-year head coach Mario Rincon, marking the program's 43rd appearance in the last 50 years. After compiling a 16-7 overall record and a 6-4 mark in the ACC, the Hurricanes earned an at-large bid and will vie for their 12^th win of the season versus a ranked opponent. Of Miami's 23 dual matches this season, 78 percent (18 matches) were versus a ranked opponent, including 14 of the last 15 matches. The Hurricanes posted a 11-7 record versus ranked teams, which accounts for all of their losses this season.

The Bulls (14-6 ), who have won two of their last three matches, advanced to the finals of the Big East Championship, going on to drop a 4-3 decision to Notre Dame.

"We are looking forward to playing USF," said Coach Rincon. "We knew we would play someone really good in this first round, and it's going to be two really strong, hungry teams going at it. USF is a much improved squad and they are going to present a challenge for us. But we have been a tough, competitive team on the road this year, and I expect the guys to step it up even more for the NCAA Tournament."

The Hurricanes lead the all-time series versus the Bulls, 39-7, and have won four straight over USF -- including a 5-2 win in the teams' last meeting on Feb. 9, 2007, in Tampa. With a win over USF, Miami would advance to the second round for the 11th time since 1987 and for the third time under Coach Rincon and square off versus either No. 9 Florida or Navy on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Gainesville. The Hurricanes are 47-13-1 all-time versus Florida, including a 4-3 win over the then-13th ranked Gators in Coral Gables on Jan. 29, and hold the 2-1 series advantage over Navy.

NCAA Tournament tickets may be purchased in advance (800-34-GATOR/352-375-GoUF) or on each day of the tournament. An all-session pass is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for senior citizens, college students and children under 17. Single-day tickets for Saturday's matches are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for senior citizens, college students and children under 17, while single-day tickets for Sunday's second-round competition are $3.00 for everyone.

The Hurricanes are led by All-American junior Daniel Vallverdu, a three-time All-ACC Men's Tennis Team selection, who is ranked fifth in the nation in singles play (27-8) and third in doubles play alongside freshman Carl Sundberg (23-7).