UNC Closes Regular Season Ranked No. 7 in NWCA Poll

CHAPEL HILL --- With a 14-3 dual meet season record, North Carolina posted its highest single-season winning percentage (.823) since 1997. On Tuesday, it was officially announced that the Tar Heels finished seventh in the NWCA Coaches Poll, the second-highest finish in the ACC behind third-ranked N.C. State.

The ranking caps a dual meet season that had just a bit of everything for the Tar Heels from November through the middle of February. The season helped the team total a 26-win mark over the last two seasons, the most it has had in that span since 1996-1997.

Over the course of the year, the Tar Heels knocked off five ranked opponents, including a pair ranked inside of the top-10 (No. 3 Virginia Tech and No. 9 Pittsburgh). In January, UNC went back-to-back with wins over ranked schools, defeating No. 12 Princeton (25-11) and then Virginia Tech (23-10), both in decisive matches.

Carolina's middle of the lineup was dominant this season, serving as the anchor of each dual meet:

Zach Sherman (141 pounds): 14-3 dual meet (4-1 ACC)
Austin O'Connor (149 pounds): 13-0 dual meet (5-0 ACC)
A.C. Headlee (157 pounds): 10-5 dual meet (3-2 ACC)
Kennedy Monday (165 pounds): 12-3 dual meet (4-0 ACC)
Clay Lautt (174 pounds) 13-3 dual meet (3-2 ACC).

O'Connor's undefeated dual meet season is the first such accomplishment since Nathan Kraisser did not lose a match in a dual at 125 pounds in the 2012-13 season (14-0, 5-0 ACC).

In its 17 duals this year, UNC used eight different lineups throughout the entirety of the schedule. Over the course of the year, 17 different Tar Heels started for Carolina in a dual meet.

The Tar Heels will hit the mat next on March 8 at the 2020 ACC Championships in Pittsburgh. Fans can purchase tickets and find more information on the event at this link.

Players Mentioned

A.C. Headlee

Clay Lautt

Kennedy Monday

Austin O'Connor

Zach Sherman

Related Videos