NC State
Alabama
#8 NC State to Host ITA Kickoff for the First Time in Program History
1/21/2021 4:50:00 PM | Men's Tennis
RALEIGH - The eighth-ranked NC State men's tennis team opens dual match action Jan. 22, hosting the ITA Kickoff for the first time ever. Alabama, No. 17 Mississippi and No. 13 Tennessee make the trip to Raleigh.
Each team will play two matches during the weekend. If NC State wins both matches, it will punch its ticket to the ITA National Men's Team Indoor Championships hosted by Illinois Feb. 12-15.
NC State opens the weekend against Alabama Jan. 22 at 11 a.m. while the Tennessee and Mississippi play at 2 p.m. The consolation match will occur Jan. 23 at 10 a.m., and the championship match will take place Jan. 23 at 2 p.m.
Due to current State guidelines regarding venue capacity limits, fans will not be permitted at home matches. NC State Athletics will continue to review capacity guidelines throughout the season and will communicate updates as they are available.
PACK IN THE RANKINGS
The Wolfpack opens dual match action ranked No. 8 in the preseason Oracle/ITA rankings. NC State was ranked sixth at the end of the 2020 season and returns all 10 members of its 2019-20 squad.
Two NC State doubles pairs make an appearance in the Oracle/ITA doubles rankings, both at their highest positions ever. Yannai Barkai and Tadas Babelis check in at No. 9 while Alexis Galarneau and Robert Turzak sit at No. 23.
In singles, Galarneau also recorded his highest-ever ranking at No. 7. Babelis was additionally ranked in singles (No. 95).
SCOUTING THE CRIMSON TIDE
Alabama began its dual match season on Jan. 16 with a doubleheader against Samford. The Crimson Tide took both matches and went on to record two more wins in a doubleheader with North Alabama on Jan. 17.
While Alabama is not in the top 25 of the preseason rankings, the squad did receive votes, and graduate student Edson Ortiz checks into the Oracle/ITA singles rankings at No. 89.
SCOUTING THE VOLUNTEERS
Tennessee opened its 2021 season ranked 13th in the nation and has competed in three matches this season, defeating Oklahoma, Tennessee Tech and ETSU.Â
Two members of the Tennessee team are ranked in singles; Adam Walton at No. 24 and Pat Harper at No. 124.
SCOUTING THE REBELS
17th-ranked Mississippi kicked off 2021 with a match against No. 11 Texas A&M, falling to the Aggies in a 3-4 decision.Â
The Rebels have a top-10 doubles team on their roster, with Tim Sandkaulen and Finn Reynolds checking into the rankings at No. 7. Sandkaulen is additionally ranked in singles at No. 62.
UP NEXT
NC State goes on its first road trip of the season, competing at 10th-ranked George Jan. 31.Â
#GoPack | @PackMensTennis
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