Temple University Athletics
Saturday, January 25
Gainesville, Fla.
2:00 PM
Temple University
at
Florida
Men's Tennis Takes on #2 Florida at ITA Kickoff
1.24.20 | Men's Tennis
This Saturday, Jan. 25, the Temple University Men's Tennis team will open their spring season at the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Gainesville, Florida. This is one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year and only the top 60 teams in the nation are invited.
Senior Paolo Cuculon expressed his excitement regarding the tournament by saying "what makes this tournament so special is that we earned our place in it. Just the best teams in the country get invited and we got invited for the first time in program history."
In their first appearance at the tournament, the Owls will open up against #2 University of Florida. "To play against such a prestigious tennis school that is always ranked in the top 5 is an honor for us," said head men's and women's tennis coach Steve Mauro.
Temple is placed into a group with three other teams, Florida, South Florida, and Fresno State. If victorious against Florida, Temple will advance to play the winner of the other match in their group.
It took a lot to get to this point. Building a program to a top 60 ranking does not happen overnight. Senior Eric Biscoveanu stated, "it's everything that we have pieced together through the last few seasons, with good results in the fall that give us the confidence to know that we are prepared for what's ahead."
The continuous and rapid improvement of Temple tennis has not gone unnoticed by coaches around the NCAA. "A lot of coaches have called me to wish us luck," added Mauro.
With the accomplishment of a qualifying spot on the resume, the goals now shift to succeeding at the tournament. "Our expectations for this tournament are high. We are a very hardworking and talented team. We know we can beat any team in the country, so we expect to compete at a very high level," said Cuculon.
Temple has put in the work to be up for the challenge. Mauro noted a great week of practice leading up to the weekend. However, it is not just a week of practice. This team has been preparing for the national stage for years.Â
The players feel ready for the task at hand and they have to make the most of this opportunity. "These chances are rare, but when they do come, you have to go out there and show the other team that you deserve to be there," said Biscoveanu.
While some teams will open up their season with a rust buster, the Owls see their matchup with #2 Florida as a great way to start off the year. "Getting used to playing very tough competition at the beginning of the season can get you ready for the rest of the year" reflected Biscoveanu.Â
As Temple tennis departs for the Sunshine State, they know that this can set the tone for their entire season. Mauro is excited about the challenge and knows "if we can hang with this team, we can hang with anyone in the country."
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Senior Paolo Cuculon expressed his excitement regarding the tournament by saying "what makes this tournament so special is that we earned our place in it. Just the best teams in the country get invited and we got invited for the first time in program history."
In their first appearance at the tournament, the Owls will open up against #2 University of Florida. "To play against such a prestigious tennis school that is always ranked in the top 5 is an honor for us," said head men's and women's tennis coach Steve Mauro.
Temple is placed into a group with three other teams, Florida, South Florida, and Fresno State. If victorious against Florida, Temple will advance to play the winner of the other match in their group.
It took a lot to get to this point. Building a program to a top 60 ranking does not happen overnight. Senior Eric Biscoveanu stated, "it's everything that we have pieced together through the last few seasons, with good results in the fall that give us the confidence to know that we are prepared for what's ahead."
The continuous and rapid improvement of Temple tennis has not gone unnoticed by coaches around the NCAA. "A lot of coaches have called me to wish us luck," added Mauro.
With the accomplishment of a qualifying spot on the resume, the goals now shift to succeeding at the tournament. "Our expectations for this tournament are high. We are a very hardworking and talented team. We know we can beat any team in the country, so we expect to compete at a very high level," said Cuculon.
Temple has put in the work to be up for the challenge. Mauro noted a great week of practice leading up to the weekend. However, it is not just a week of practice. This team has been preparing for the national stage for years.Â
The players feel ready for the task at hand and they have to make the most of this opportunity. "These chances are rare, but when they do come, you have to go out there and show the other team that you deserve to be there," said Biscoveanu.
While some teams will open up their season with a rust buster, the Owls see their matchup with #2 Florida as a great way to start off the year. "Getting used to playing very tough competition at the beginning of the season can get you ready for the rest of the year" reflected Biscoveanu.Â
As Temple tennis departs for the Sunshine State, they know that this can set the tone for their entire season. Mauro is excited about the challenge and knows "if we can hang with this team, we can hang with anyone in the country."
Â
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
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