The men’s tennis team’s (23-9) season reached an end Saturday in Athens, Ga., as the team fell just three matches short of the NCAA Championship, falling 4-0 to No. 3 Baylor in the Elite 8.
Despite the loss, the team set numerous school records in its run to Athens. The No. 27 Wolfpack’s 23 wins were the most in school history and the team had never reached the Elite Eight or even won a first round match before this season.
According to coach Jon Choboy, the team’s disappointment in losing so close to a championship overshadowed the success of the season.
“Immediately when we met as a team after that match, one of the things that impressed me in a genuine sense was their disappointment,” Choboy said.
“Rather than them saying, ‘Well it was a great season,’ I think when we stepped out on that court our guys felt that they had a tremendous chance at winning. I don’t think anybody was even thinking about the fact that we had a great year.”
To reach the Elite 8, the Pack first swept William and Mary 4-0, stunned No. 6 Carolina 4-0, and edged No. 11 Texas 4-3 before falling to Baylor.
The win over Carolina marked the first time the Pack beat the Heels since 1988 as well as the highest ranked opponent a State team has ever beaten.
Choboy said that win was particularly thrilling for the team, as they had lost an intense and upsetting 4-3 loss to the rival Tar Heels during the regular season.
“It’s been 25 straight times we lost to them in 19 years,” Choboy said. “There was a lot of confidence about not only winning the match, but in beating a team that’s having their best season in 40, 50 years as well as their highest national ranking ever at No. 6. And they only lost three matches all year and they went to the ACC Championship.”
Though the loss to Baylor proved disappointing, Choboy said he is proud of his team’s intensity and poise.
“They did a tremendous job,” Choboy said. “I’m proud of the way they did what they did. You can win in several ways and some of them aren’t the most respectable ways to go about it. This team wins in a very respectable way. It does its job, they represent the University well, they compete very hard, and they have character and class when they compete.”
As a majority of the team returned home from Athens and will enjoy summer workouts, the post-season remains for the No. 13 doubles tandem of senior William Noblitt and junior Nick Cavaday.
The duo will compete against the No. 24 duo from Mississippi in today’s opening round of 32. Choboy said he expects success from his team leaders.
“The good thing about those two guys is that they’re self-motivated,” Choboy said. “These are kids that have high expectations for themselves so I feel confident about them going in. And it certainly doesn’t hurt the run that’s been made here for more than one reason because not only does it give them confidence but it allows them to continue competitive play. There’s a few things they have to do very well and if they do their going to be successful.”
