Returning to the court for the first time since suffering a 5-0 loss to the USC Trojans, the Alabama men’s tennis team will face Florida on Friday and South Carolina on Monday in a series of road matches.

The Crimson Tide currently sits at 9-9 on the season and 2-3 in conference play, leaving the next eight matches to determine the outcome of the season.

Coach George Husack said he thinks the team is eager to bounce back after falling to the No. 4 Trojans and to show its ability in conference matches.

“I think they’re excited because we’re competing against conference opponents, and our season is all about conference at this point,” Husack said. “I think they trust what they can do in terms of competing in the next eight matches, and these two this week.”

(See also “Men’s tennis team suffers loss to Trojans“)

Senior Daniil Proskura said he remembers the difficulty of playing these two teams his sophomore year, but he believes the challenges will strengthen the team.

“They are tough places to play,” Proskura said. “But we are definitely even teams. It’s always tough to play on the road, but that’s why we have to compete harder and be stronger as a team.”

The sole senior on a team of mostly freshmen and sophomores, Proskura has assumed a leadership role this season, earning a spot as captain.

Husack said not only does Proskura lead by example on the court, but he shares his way of thinking with the team, which is just as important.

He also said that as Proskura’s career with Alabama winds to a close, he expects the captain to make a lasting impression on everyone around him due to his consistently high effort.

“Daniil has always led by example and always shares his philosophy and work ethic,” Husack said. “As a leader, you want to not only lead by example but share knowledge with your team. He wants the best for his teammates, and he wears the captain ‘C’ because he’s earned that spot, and he represents it in every match he plays.”

Moving forward, Husack said the team will have a fun two weeks, first with the series of road trips and then with a fun day spent at Lake Tuscaloosa after the team returns home.

(See also “Men’s tennis to face USC in 1st match since 1989“)

“I think you want tennis to be a relief from everything, and it’s important to keep perspective that tennis isn’t our life,” Husack said. “It’s good to have something that’s a little different and breaks up the monotony of school and tennis.”

Added time spent together over spring break is also important because it strengthens the team chemistry, which Husack said translates positively onto the court.

“When you’re with each other, it’s a lot of fun,” Husack said. “The more time we spend together, the better. They enjoy being around each other, and that says a lot about the chemistry of the team, and that’s very important going forward. Chemistry is the pulse of your team.”

The Crimson Tide will return to the Alabama Tennis Facility in the latter part of spring break, hosting Vanderbilt on March 28 at 5 p.m. and Kentucky on March 30 at 1 p.m.

(See also “Men’s tennis team recalibrates for SEC“)