[su_spacer size=”20″] Georgia’s top-seeded team of Austin Smith and Ben Wagland were eliminated from the NCAA Doubles Championship on Saturday, dropping a 6-2, 6-3 quarterfinal match to Texas Tech’s Hugo Dojas and Felipe Soares at Baylor’s Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center. All singles and doubles quarterfinal matches were held indoors due to rain here on Saturday.
[su_spacer size=”40″] The Georgia duo ends the year with an 18-4 record, including 14 wins against ranked opponents. They registered victories against teams ranked Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 11 (twice), 12 a 16.
[su_spacer size=”40″] “It’s a sad way to end a great year,” said head coach Manuel Diaz. “Our guys really have made us proud and had a phenomenal year. Texas Tech really gained a lot of momentum after we had break points the first two times they served, and they got out of it with some outstanding serving and a couple of good shots. They loosened up and really played outstanding tennis. I don’t think they missed more than one or two balls the rest of the way. Our guys need to hold their heads up high.”
[su_spacer size=”40″] Smith and Wagland secured All-America honors by being seeded No. 1, and they are the first Bulldog tandem to earn the top seed in the NCAA Tournament since 2007. They have been ranked No. 1 in the country in doubles since March 24.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Said Diaz: “They had a great year, and we have a great future coming up next. I know they wanted to win this tournament, but it didn’t go our way today. Texas Tech really controlled play. They are a great team, and they’ll have a good shot to win this tournament. We wish them the best.”
[su_spacer size=”40″] This concludes the season for the 2015 SEC Champion Bulldogs. Georgia reached the quarterfinals of the team tournament and finished with a 24-5 record.