No. 34 NC State Primed For BC, Clemson

RALEIGH, N.C. - The No. 34 NC State men's tennis team prepares for a busy weekend in Raleigh, hosting Boston College Friday at 12 p.m. and Clemson Saturday at 2 p.m.

Continuing one of the most competitive seasons yet, these matches will provide the Wolfpack with an opportunity to improve its 13-10 (1-4 ACC) record.

Pack In The Polls:
Dropping one spot from its previous No. 33 ranking, NC State holds some impressive singles standings in the ITA poll. Upperclassman Simon Norenius currently stands at No. 44. Following Norenius is No. 77 Nick Horton and No. 85 Thomas Weigel.

This marks the first time this season that the Pack has placed three players into the national rankings. Norenius is up to a season high 44th place after taking down then ranked No. 12 Ronnie Schneider of North Carolina. Weigel enters the rankings after going toe-to-tie with Virginia's eighth-ranked Ryan Shane and defeating UNC's then-ranked No. 38 Brayden Schnur.

All three ranked Wolfpack players have led the team this season, splitting time between the top-three spots in the lineup. The group has accounted for 45 of the team's 71 dual season wins. Additionally Norenius and Weigel are climbing higher in the top-10 singles lists in school history with each win.

Scouting Reports:
Boston College will land in Raleigh after coming off two straight ACC losses. BC fell to current No. 64 Miami early on last weekend in the close conference matchup. Following Miami, the Eagles lost in front of a home crowd to the then ranked No. 69 Blue Devils.

Despite being 3-10 (1-5 ACC) in the conference, Boston College is looking to improve with its upperclassmen doubles partners Aidan McNulty and Alexandre Thirouin. The duo has gone 8-2 this doubles season. The Eagles have also won the highest percentage of their matches from the fifth and sixth spots in the singles lineup.

Looking ahead to the match against Clemson (11-9 2-3 ACC), the Tigers are also coming off of two straight losses as they touch down in Raleigh to face the Wolfpack Saturday.

Clemson fell to current No. 32 Georgia Tech 6-1 last weekend in Atlanta, Ga. Continuing its road stretch, the Tigers were swept by No. 13 Wake Forest 7-0. Clemson currently has conference wins over Notre Dame and Louisville.

Alex Favort and Luke Johnson, who have both earned double-digits wins this spring season and lead the team. The same duo leads the Tigers in doubles play with an 8-4 record from the top of the lineup.

Last Time Out:
NC State has seen its fair share of competitive teams, coming off of matchups with current No. 1 UNC and No. 2 Virginia. Despite falling to the Tar Heels overall, the Pack defeated UNC's top two singles players No. 12 Schneider and No. 38 Schnur.

The Wolfpack then proceeded to sweep Campbell with a 7-0 win, dominating on all courts.

By GoPack writer: Kelly Martin

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Players Mentioned

Nick Horton

Simon Norenius

Thomas Weigel