University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Virginia
Men's Tennis Pulls Off Upset Of Virginia, 5-2
March 25, 2001 | Men's Tennis
March 25, 2001
Chapel Hill, NC - The North Carolina men's tennis team defeated Virginia in an exciting 5-2 decision Sunday afternoon. Fittingly it was senior David Cheatwood who led the Tar Heels' charge.
With an energetic crowd on hand for the first outdoor match of the spring, the Tar Heels posted a convincing 5-2 victory. The win moves the Tar Heels to 6-5 on the season, but more importantly advances them to 2-0 in ACC play. Meanwhile the Cavaliers drop to 6-3 on the year and 1-2 in the ACC.
The afternoon began as intensely as it concluded as the 'Heels and 'Hoos quickly split the #1 and #3 doubles matches. With the doubles point hinging on the #2 doubles contest, UNC's Marcio Petrone and Greg Archer recovered from a 5-0 deficit to send the match to a tie-breaker at 8-8. The breaker was all UNC as Petrone/Archer won 7-3 to secure the Tar Heels a 1-0 lead.
Singles action soon saw the Tar Heels move to a 2-0 lead as sophomore Greg Archer won his #5 singles contest in straight sets 6-1, 6-4. The win was Archer's second on the day. However, Virginia's strength at the top of their lineup quickly tied the score at 2-2 as Virginia #1 Brian Vahaly and #2 Huntley Montgomery each won in straight sets.
With the score tied 2-2, Tar Heel sophomore Trystan Meniane easily won his first set at #4 singles 6-4. After falling behind 4-1 in the second set, Meniane battled to win the set in a tie-break and give the Heels a 3-2 lead with his 6-4, 7-6 (2) win.
All eyes were suddenly on Tar Heel senior David Cheatwood. The Tar Heels had never beaten the Cavaliers in Cheatwood's four years and Cheatwood was eager to clinch the match at #3 singles. After winning the first set 6-4, Cheatwood dropped the second set 6-4 to UVA senior Tommy Croker. The third set began all Cheatwood as the senior jumped out to a 4-1 lead. However, Croker broke Cheatwood's serve twice to even the deciding set 4-4. Showing great determination and heart, Cheatwood unleashed four amazing backhand winners to recover from a 30-0 deficit and break Croker's serve. Serving for the match, Cheatwood would not be denied. As Croker's final forehand fell into the net, a jubilant Cheatwood was surrounded by teammates.
"It felt great," an excited Cheatwood said about his victory. "This is the first time we have beaten Virginia since I've been here. It's great to come out on top as a senior." Cheatwood also recognizes what the win will do for his confidence. "This win does a lot for my confidence," said Cheatwood. "I was a little down after losing several three set matches. This victory will give me a boost going into the rest of the ACC schedule."
Chad Riley also came out victorious. Leading in the third set, Riley was forfeited his #6 singles contest.
Head Coach Sam Paul realizes how important the win was for the 2001 Tar Heels. "This is a big win," said Paul. "I am especially proud of the seniors David (Cheatwood) and Chad (Riley). We showed a lot of character and came through. Virginia was a very good team with good seniors. It was a big win to beat them for the first time in four years."
The Tar Heels are now 67-15 all time against the Cavaliers. Carolina's next action will come Wednesday when the Heels travel to Raleigh to take on the Wolfpack in another ACC match.
#53 North Carolina 5
#45 Virginia 2
SINGLES-
#1 Brian Vahaly {#12} (UVA) d. Marcio Petrone (UNC) 6-1, 6-1
#2 Huntley Montogmery (UVA) d. Nicholas Monroe (UNC) 6-2, 6-2
#3 David Cheatwood (UNC) d. Tommy Croker (UVA) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4*
#4 Trystan Meniane (UNC) d. Michael Duquette (UVA) 6-4, 7-6 (2)
#5 Greg Archer (UNC) d. Brian Hunter (UVA) 6-1, 6-4
#6 Chad Riley (UNC) d. Jason Romesberg (UVA) 3-6, 6-4, 2-1 ret.
DOUBLES-
#1 Vahaly/Montgomery {#3} (UVA) d. Cheatwood/Monroe (UNC) 8-4
#2 Petrone/Archer (UNC) d. Croker/Duquette (UVA) 9-8 (3)
#3 Meniane/Riley (UNC) d. Chou/Hunter (UVA) 8-6
* Clinching match
Players Mentioned
