Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina men’s tennis junior James Story was named SEC Player of the Week, the conference announced on Wednesday. The Cardiff, Wales, native was perfect through the first week of league play, going 2-0 in both singles and doubles to help to Gamecocks to a perfect start.
Against No. 5 Kentucky, Story helped No. 6 South Carolina secure the upset by taking down No. 43 Joshua Lapadat and JJ Mercer in dominating 6-2 fashion to help the Gamecocks earn the doubles point. Story then went on to take down previously undefeated No. 100 Taha Baadi in singles, helping the Gamecocks retain the lead and complete the upset on the road. Baadi was a perfect 10-0 in dual play prior to Story’s straight-set takedown. The win was South Carolina’s first victory in Lexington since 2000.
Against Vanderbilt, Story again kicked off the wins, earning the first doubles win of the day with another dominant 6-2 decision. In singles, Story clinched the match for South Carolina, taking down Siim Troost in straight-sets 6-4, 7-6(4). This win is the first time that the Gamecocks have ever shut out Vanderbilt in Nashville.
Story is now 10-2 in dual singles and 11-2 in dual doubles.
This marks Story’s second SEC Player of the Week honor this season, having previously been named Co-Player of the Week on February 15.
Story and the No. 5 Gamecocks will continue conference play on Friday, March 10, hosting No. 66 Alabama at 3:00 p.m.
For all the latest South Carolina men’s tennis information, continue to follow GamecocksOnline.com or the team on social media (@GamecockMTennis).