No. 9 NC State women’s tennis almost earned nine decisive victories versus Syracuse as it swept the singles courts and was a single game away from claiming the win on all three doubles courts.
Only one match went to a third set, as No. 51 freshman Lavinia Tanasie dropped her first set versus Monika Wojcik, but won the second set 6-0 and then won the 10-point tiebreak to secure the match. Otherwise, it was a domination for the Wolfpack (15-5, 7-1 ACC) over the Orange (6-9, 2-6 ACC).
Sophomore spring transfer Amelie Smejkalova picked up her first win of the year, playing in her third match since transferring to NC State. She fell in straight sets in both of her first two matches, but this time, looked the part of a top competitor, winning 6-2, 6-2. In her first appearance at home on Friday versus Boston College, she didn’t seem to be firing on all cylinders, but that was certainly not the case versus Orange freshman Emma Scaldalai.
If Smejkalova can get up to speed with the rest of the Pack, she could be the difference between NC State being a dark horse and a contender. With No. 3 UNC-Chapel Hill looking like the clear favorite to win the ACC, the Pack will need her to get over the edge, and she is progressing well.
The rest of the squad looked a level above their competition. It started with the doubles point as reigning NCAA Doubles champions No. 2 junior Gabriella Broadfoot and freshman Victoria Osuigwe went 6-0, and No. 3 pairing sophomore Mia Slama and Tanasie won 6-2.
From there, No. 44 Slama was dominant in her singles match, winning 6-2, 6-3. No. 48 Broadfoot won on Court 2 6-4, 6-1. After delivering two bagels on Friday, No. 65 senior Anna Zyryanova picked up another straight-set win 6-3, 6-1. Osuigwe claimed the win on Court 5 6-1, 6-1 as she continues to improve in her freshman campaign.
Osuigwe is yet another player with extremely high potential on Court 5 as the No. 2 recruit in the high school class of 2025.
The Pack has the makings of a championship contender, but it won’t be tested very much to end the season. Only two ranked matches remain — No. 70 Notre Dame on April 5 and No. 24 Duke on April 8. The real test begins with the ACC Tournament, starting April 15.
Before looking too far ahead on the calendar, NC State hosts Louisville Friday, April 3 at 3 p.m.
