University of North Carolina Athletics
Men's Tennis Earns NCAA Tournament Bid
May 4, 2000 | Men's Tennis
May 4, 2000
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina men's tennis team has received an invitation to the 2000 NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Tournament, marking the eighth time over the past nine seasons that the Tar Heels have made the tournament field. The Tar Heels, 17-5 overall, will play Ball State on Saturday, May 13, in the first round of the 64-team draw. Ball State compiled a season mark of 18-8 and is currently ranked No. 46 in ITA team rankings. UNC is ranked 20th in ITA standings.
The Tar Heels have been assigned to a regional tournament that will be played at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. If North Carolina wins the match against Ball State, the team will play either Tennessee or the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on Sunday, May 14. The winners of the 16 regionals will then advance to the national Round of 16, which will be hosted by the University of Georgia beginning May 20.
"I am very pleased that our team has made the NCAA Tournament, this has been one of our goals all season," said Head Coach Sam Paul. "I'm especially happy for our guys because they have worked really hard to achieve this. We're just looking forward to playing in the tournament."
The Tar Heels finished second in Atlantic Coast Conference action with a 6-2 record and made it to the ACC Championship final. North Carolina senior Tripp Phillips and sophomore Marcio Petrone were named to the All-ACC Team. Petrone (No. 4), David Cheatwood (No. 3) and Chad Riley (No. 6) won their singles flights in the conference, and Phillips (No. 1) and Trystan Meniane (No. 5) finished second in their respective flights. Phillips is currently ranked No. 22 in ITA singles rankings.
Players Mentioned
