The No. 12 North Carolina men’s tennis team continued its three game win streak after topping No. 39 Louisville, 6-1, in its last regular season game on Sunday. The Tar Heels head into the upcoming ACC tournament as the No. 3 seed, playing either No. 11 Clemson or No. 6 Florida State in the second round next Friday.
What happened?
UNC had an impressive start, winning each of its three doubles matches by three or more games. Junior Robert Kelly and first year Josh Peck finished first – posting a decisive 6-1 victory over the No. 51 doubles opponent. Senior Jack Murray and first year Simon Soendergaard followed suite with another 6-1 victory. The two victories ended the remaining doubles match early, earning senior Ronnie Schneider and sophomore Anu Kodali a 4-1 victory.
The Tar Heels took on singles play with the same resounding success. Jack Murray finished first for North Carolina, earning a 6-0, 6-2 victory over his singles opponent. Robert Kelly was right behind Murray, winning his match, 6-0, 6-2. The Tar Heels went on to win three of its next four singles matches. At the top court, No. 19 Ronnie Schneider defeated No. 114 Christopher Morin-Kougoucheff in the third set.
Who stood out?
Kelly fueled North Carolina’s singles success without dropping a game in the first set. His quick feet and strong serve helped him defeat Louisville’s Nicholas Rouanet in two sets.
“He’s been working hard, never gives up,” head coach Sam Paul said. “He’s a great competitor.”
When was it decided?
Following three quick doubles victories, North Carolina’s first two singles wins helped push the game out of reach. Already up with a team score of 3-0, UNC only needed one of the remaining four games to win the overall match.
