No. 18 Alabama Men’s Tennis Blanks Presbyterian 7-0 in Dominant Display
Tuscaloosa, AL – February 15, 2025
The No. 18 Alabama men’s tennis team delivered a commanding performance on Friday, blanking Presbyterian College 7-0 at the Alabama Tennis Stadium. The Crimson Tide, fueled by an impressive mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy, overwhelmed the Blue Hose in both singles and doubles play, extending their winning streak and reaffirming their position as a force in collegiate tennis.
Alabama’s Commanding Doubles Performance
The match kicked off with doubles action, where Alabama wasted no time asserting its dominance. The No. 1 doubles pair of senior standout Juan Martín Alvarez and sophomore Jack Thompson set the tone early, securing a swift 6-2 victory over Presbyterian’s top duo. The Crimson Tide tandem exhibited seamless coordination, aggressive net play, and well-placed serves that kept their opponents on the defensive throughout.
On court two, Alabama’s freshman duo of Luca Moretti and Ethan Williams continued the team’s momentum with a convincing 6-3 win. The young pair showcased exceptional shot-making ability and strong baseline rallies, frustrating their Blue Hose counterparts.
The final doubles match on court three was heading in Alabama’s favor when the overall doubles point was clinched. With a 1-0 lead heading into singles play, the Tide had all the momentum.
Singles Sweep Showcases Alabama’s Depth
With the early lead secured, Alabama continued its onslaught in singles competition, winning all six matches in straight sets.
At the No. 1 position, Alvarez once again demonstrated why he is one of the most formidable players in the SEC. The senior displayed a masterclass in precision and consistency, defeating Presbyterian’s top player 6-2, 6-1. Alvarez controlled the tempo of the match with powerful forehands and impeccable footwork, leaving little opportunity for his opponent to counter.
On court two, Thompson mirrored his doubles success with an equally dominant singles showing, rolling to a 6-3, 6-2 victory. His mix of deep groundstrokes and well-timed volleys proved too much for his Presbyterian counterpart to handle.
Freshman Luca Moretti, playing at No. 3, continued his impressive start to the season with a 6-1, 6-2 triumph. Moretti’s performance was highlighted by his ability to switch between offensive and defensive styles seamlessly, keeping his opponent off balance and forcing errors.
Ethan Williams, another promising freshman, took the No. 4 singles match with a 6-4, 6-1 victory. His patience and tactical play in the first set paid dividends, as he capitalized on his opponent’s mistakes in the second to secure a comfortable win.
Senior Nathan Foster made quick work of his opponent on court five, cruising to a 6-0, 6-2 victory. Foster’s court awareness and ability to mix up his shots kept his opponent guessing throughout the match.
Rounding out the sweep, junior Ben Castillo clinched a 6-3, 6-4 win at the No. 6 position. Castillo’s aggressive approach and well-placed passing shots ensured that Alabama completed its flawless shutout.
Coach’s Perspective
Following the dominant performance, Alabama head coach George Reynolds expressed pride in his team’s execution and energy.
“This was a great all-around effort from our guys,” Reynolds said. “We came out strong in doubles and carried that momentum into singles play. I was especially pleased with the way our younger players handled the pressure and stayed composed in key moments. We’ll take this confidence into our next match and continue building on our success.”
Building Momentum for SEC Play
The win over Presbyterian improves Alabama’s overall record to 8-1 on the season and marks their third consecutive shutout victory. With the SEC schedule approaching, the Crimson Tide are hitting their stride at the right time.
“We’ve been working hard in practice, and it’s paying off in matches,” Alvarez said. “Everyone is stepping up, and we’re pushing each other to be better every day. The competition in the SEC is tough, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
Alabama’s next test comes against a formidable in-conference opponent, as they prepare to face No. 14 Georgia in Athens next week. The Bulldogs have historically been one of the SEC’s powerhouses, but Alabama’s recent form suggests they will be a serious threat.
Looking Ahead
With this dominant victory, Alabama solidifies its position as one of the top teams in the country. The team’s depth, experience, and youthful energy make them a dangerous opponent for any challenger.
As the season progresses, the Crimson Tide will look to continue their upward trajectory and make a deep run in the SEC and NCAA tournaments. If their performance against Presbyterian is any indication, Alabama men’s tennis is primed for a season of excellence.
For now, the Tide will celebrate their flawless victory while keeping their eyes set on the challenges ahead. If they maintain this level of intensity and execution, th
ere’s no telling how far they can go this season.
