Canes Split Singles, but Fall in Doubles to NC State

March 23, 2012

CORAL GABLES, Fla.–The No. 54 University of Miami men’s tennis team fell to the No. 33 North Carolina State Wolfpack, 4-3, on Friday, March 23 at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.

The weather was both hot and humid, and the Canes fought hard through these conditions to make a comeback after initially losing the doubles point. Unfortunately, the three singles victories weren’t enough to seal the win.

“Unfortunately, it’s tough to lose the doubles point and come back every time. It put a little pressure on us. I thought our guys competed hard and did their best, but NC State was the better team,” said UM Head Coach Mario Rincon.

In doubles play, the duo of Gabriel Flores and Diego Soto in the No. 2 position and Henrique Tsukamoto and Victor Mauz in the No. 3 position fell to their opponents, 8-2 and 8-4, respectively. Omar Aly and Wilfredo Gonzalez concluded doubles with a win against Julian Sullivan and Sean Weber (7-7, 7-3).

Diego Soto captured the first Canes’ point of the day in the No. 5 position. He overpowered his opponent, Julian Sullivan, winning the match 6-2, 7-5.

Victor Mauz in the No. 6 position earned the second point for the Canes, taking down Rafael Paez after a tiebreaker set 2-6, 6-4, 6-0.

Wilfredo Gonzalez carried his success in doubles play over to singles play, defeating Robbie Mudge 7-5, 5-7, 10-6 in the No. 3 position. His was the final match of the day, and although it ended in a Canes’ point, NC State had already won the overall match.

“Wilfredo, Victor and Diego did wonders in their matches. They’re playing really well. Every match in the ACC is tough, and you have to play at a higher level. It’s good to see that they got their wins today,” commented Rincon.

Gabriel Flores played with passion against Jaime Pulgar in the No. 1 spot, but ultimately he lost his match 6-0, 6-4.

Although Omar Aly won his doubles match with partner Wilfredo Gonzalez, he fell to opponent Dominic Hodgson 6-3, 6-2 in the No. 2 position. Henrique Tsukamoto, in the No. 4 position, also succumbed to his opponent, Austin Powell, 7-5, 6-2.

Come and show your support for the Canes in their fight against Wake Forest this Sunday, March 25 at 12 p.m. at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.

“We lost to them at the beginning of the year. I think we’re playing better now, but I’m sure it will be a challenge for us,” concluded Rincon.

Complete Results
NC State vs Miami
Mar 23, 2012 at Miami, Fla. (Neil Schiff Tennis Center)

#33 North Carolina State 4, #54 Miami 3

Singles competition
1. Jaime Pulgar (NCSTATE) def. Gabriel Flores (UM) 6-0, 6-4
2. Dominic Hodgson (NCSTATE) def. Omar Aly (UM) 6-3, 6-2
3. Wilfredo Gonzalez (UM) def. Robbie Mudge (NCSTATE) 7-5, 5-7, 1-0 (6)
4. Austin Powell (NCSTATE) def. Henrique Tsukamoto (UM) 7-5, 6-2
5. Diego Soto (UM) def. Julian Sullivan (NCSTATE) 6-2, 7-5
6. Victor Mauz (UM) def. Rafael Paez (NCSTATE) 2-6, 6-4, 6-0

Doubles competition
1. Omar Aly/Wilfredo Gonzalez (UM) def. Julian Sullivan/Sean Weber (NCSTATE) 8-7 (3)
2. Robbie Mudge/Jaime Pulgar (NCSTATE) def. Gabriel Flores/Diego Soto (UM) 8-2
3. Dave Thomson/Dominic Hodgson (NCSTATE) def. Henrique Tsukamoto/Victor Mauz (UM) 8-4

Match Notes:
North Carolina State 14-4; National ranking #33
Miami 6-4; National ranking #54
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3,1); Singles (1,5,2,4,6,3)