TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gamecock men's tennis suffered a 7-0 loss at No. 20 Florida State in Saturday afternoon's season opener. Jacksonville State battled in a pair of singles contests versus veteran competition but could not claim a point at the FSU Indoor Tennis Courts. 
 
"We had a lot of opportunities, especially early, but fell just a couple points short here and there from being able to put a lot of pressure on FSU," head coach Trey Morris said. "We were able to put pressure on them in No. 5 and No. 6 singles. 
 
"It wasn't our best tennis by any stretch of the imagination, but that's why you play the sport," Morris added. "We have an interest in getting better and improving. This is the first match of the year and we'll get better from this."
 
The Seminoles (2-0) swept Mercer to begin the day and picked up right where they left off, dominating doubles play to cruise to a quick opening point. Marko Milosavljevic and Zach Murphy were fighting in the No. 1 doubles showdown, but their flight ended early as the doubles point was clinched. 
 
Jax State (0-1) found success at the bottom of the lineup in singles play. Freshman Aman Dahiya produced a phenomenal first set against Justin Lyons, winning 6-0, before FSU's No. 6 performer bounced back to win the next two sets 6-1, 6-2. Milosavljevic also won his opening set, 6-3, but dropped his matchup with Alex Bulte on court five (6-3, 3-6, 0-1 [6-10]). 
 
The Gamecocks will finish opening weekend Sunday morning versus Mercer. That match with the Bears will begin at 9 a.m. The team returns to action on Sun., Jan. 21, as they travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to take on Alabama. 
 
"Our guys are going to come out tomorrow with some challenges from our staff on things we need to do to improve," Morris said. "I believe they'll respond well. Special things are ahead for this group."
 
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