NCAA Tennis: Georgia Men’s Tennis Surges To No. 3

Ben Wagland, Photo courtesy of University of Georgia

The Bulldogs (14-4, 6-1 SEC) won a pair of 4-2 matches at No. 13 Vanderbilt and No. 4 Kentucky last Friday and Sunday, respectively, to move into first place in the Southeastern Conference standings with five regular-season dates remaining. In the latest poll, seven of the top 14 teams in the nation come from the SEC, including four of the top 10. Behind third-ranked UGA, Tennessee is ranked No. 5, Kentucky No. 8, Ole Miss No. 10, Texas A&M No. 12, Mississippi State No. 13, and Vanderbilt No. 14.

A new set of individual rankings were released today as well, where senior KU Singh continues to lead Georgia in singles with a No. 11 ranking. Singh has a 13-7 overall record and a team-best nine wins over ranked opponents in 2012-13. Behind him, sophomore Nathan Pasha came in at No. 53 this week after winning two matches over the weekend to sit with a team-leading 23 wins on the season. Freshman Ben Wagland rose to a career-high No. 64 in singles this week, sitting at 19-7 overall and 11-4 in dual matches.

In doubles, Georgia’s team of Wagland and junior Hernus Pieters are No. 6 this week, while the team of Pasha and Garrett Brasseaux are No. 41. Additionally, Pasha is ranked No. 63 with Singh.

Wagland remains the highest-ranked SEC freshman in both polls.

The Bulldogs are next in action this Sunday when they host conference newcomer Texas A&M at 1 p.m. at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex.