Men's Tennis | 1/12/2018 9:26:00 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The North Florida men's tennis team begins the 2018 season by participating in the Florida State Spring Invitational in Tallahassee, Fla.
 
MATCH DAY CENTRAL
WHAT: NORTH FLORIDA (0-0) at FSU Spring Invitational
WHERE: Florida State Indoor Tennis Facility
WHEN: Saturday Jan. 13 & Sunday, Jan. 14
PARTICIPANTS: Florida State, Louisiana, Georgia State, Mercer, FAU, Furman and Florida A&M
 
RECAP
Heading into the spring, the Ospreys look to build on a successful 2017 campaign after finishing with an overall record of 14-7 and an ASUN Regular Season Title after an undefeated conference slate.
 
Junior Sahil Deshmukh had an impressive sophomore campaign and went undefeated in ASUN play at the No. 5 position. He completed the year with a 26-11 singles record and 23-8 doubles record. Senior Jefta Kecic was selected as an ASUN First Team All-Conference honoree and finished off the year No. 53 in the NCAA Doubles ranking. Kecic was 18-13 overall in singles play and had a 17-6 double mark.

INVITE FORMAT 
The Ospreys kick off the invitational facing Florida A&M, who finished last year with an 11-10 overall record. The Rattlers won the 2017 MEAC Championship with senior Karlyn Small making the All-Tournament team. Sophomore Federico Nani joined him on the team, as he compiled a 9-2 record in singles play.

Due to weather in the Tallahassee area, the matches have been moved indoors. UNF and FAMU will play singles at 8 a.m. with the winner advancing to play later in the afternoon, while the loser will head to the consolation side for an 8 a.m. start on Sunday.
 
LOOKING AHEAD
There is no rest for North Florida as the Ospreys head to Columbus, Ohio for the ITA Kick-Off Weekend, beginning on Saturday Jan. 27. North Florida faces Tulsa in the match before taking on either No. 2 Ohio State or Yale.