Throughout the 2019 season, the USC Aiken Athletic Communications office will provide weekly notes, giving all of Pacer Nation an in-depth look at the team. 

Strong Core Returns

The USC Aiken men's tennis team has been recognized nationally over recent years and the 2019 preseason was no different. The team was selected No. 18 in the ITA National Rankings – and the squad was No. 5 in the NCAA Southeast Region rankings.

New Face At No. 1

Head coach Steve Dahm's team could have a new face at No. 1 this year. Redshirt-freshman Salvador Bandeira could take the top spot in a very talented line-up. However, several returning student-athletes are vying for the top spot as well. Regardless, Bandeira's addition means a talented, deep line-up for Dahm.

All He Does is Win

Alvaro Garcia Gil has been a strong force since his arrival on campus. Last season, he posted a team-high 18 wins, going 18-4 in singles play. Garcia Gil was 1-0 at No. 2, 10-3 at No. 3 and 7-1 at No. 4. Through two seasons, he has a 28-8 singles record and a 15-8 doubles ledger.  

Changing Things Up

This marks the first time since the 2014 campaign that head coach Steve Dahm's team will not open with NAIA foe Georgia Gwinnett. That year, USC Aiken picked up a 5-4 victory over Valdosta State to open the season.

Immediate Implications

The Pacers open up the 2019 season with four consecutive region foes. The squad opens with Belmont Abbey in front of the home fans before traveling to Benedict on Feb. 8. The following day, the squad hosts Coker before making the trek to Newberry on Feb. 13.

Inside The Numbers

This week, USC Aiken hosts Belmont Abbey on Friday, Feb. 1 in the team's lone match. Since moving to Division II, the Pacers are 60-39 in Friday matches (60.6 percent). The team is also 2-2 on Feb. 2 during that same time.

Against The Opponents

This week, USC Aiken hosts Belmont Abbey on Friday, Feb. 1 in the team's lone match. The Pacers are 10-0 against the Crusaders in the all-time series that dates back to arch 26, 2003 – a 7-2 victory by USC Aiken on the road. The Pacers are 4-0 in the all-time series at home.