Men’s Tennis Achieves Program-High Final ITA Ranking at No. 18
5/25/2022 12:45:00 PM | Men's Tennis
TEMPE, Ariz. - The NC State men's tennis program concludes its 2022 campaign ranked 18th in the nation, its highest final ITA ranking in program history.
The Pack reached its highest in-season ranking of the year at No. 16 on Feb. 23.
The squad recorded its first 20-win season since 2012, compiling a record of 20-11 that included seven wins over top-25 opponents. The season was highlighted by a 4-1 win over then-No. 6 South Carolina at the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center.
NC State additionally got its first win over North Carolina since 2013 during the 2022 season, defeating the then-No. 23 Tar Heels 4-3 in Chapel Hill.
The NCAA Tournament saw the Wolfpack host a regional for the first time under head coach Kyle Spencer, and the team put together two wins to advance to the Round of 16 for the second time in program history and the first time since 2007.
Multiple members of the squad put together double-digit-win singles seasons, including a 17-5 dual match record by Damien Salvestre. Robin Catry (13-8), Martins Rocens (13-12), Fons Van Sambeek (12-4), Braden Shick (14-7) and Luca Staeheli (15-6) each entered double digit singles victories as well.
NC State saw incredible success in doubles competition as well with two of its squads ranked for the majority of the season. Catry and Staeheli put together an 11-3 record together in dual match competition while Braden Shick and Collin Shick tabbed a 7-2 dual match doubles slate.
"The historic ending of this 2022 season, our fifth here at NC State, was a culmination of the building of the program," said head coach Kyle Spencer. "While it was certainly a transformative season for our young group, the foundation was put into place in our first year by Alexis Galarneau, Igor Saveljic, Ivan Saveljic, Georgiy Malyshev and Michael Ogden. Assistant Coach Cris James and I are so thankful that group had an immediate buy-in to make a year like this happen.
"This year playing four or sometimes five freshmen was at times a challenge, but it was also a testament to the quality of the recruiting class that we brought in. I am most pleased for the returners who had their 2020 magical season cut short early with the COVID-19 pandemic and who, along with the 2021 graduating class of Alexis, Tadas Babelis, and Robert Turzak, helped cement the building blocks for our program to move further into the elite level of college tennis.
"We say thank you to the leadership and dedication of our graduating seniors Collin Shick, Yannai Barkai and Joseph Schrader. While we are grateful for these historic successes, we will not be satisfied as we continue to strive to reach the pinnacle of college tennis.
"Our whole program continues to be thankful for everyone connected to our program including Sam, Maja, Eric and Michelle from Pack Performance, our facilities crew - Chad, Dustin and Zach, Paul Drake, our equipment manager - Jimmy, our sports information director - Hailey, Maria and Jimmy in academics, our sport supervisor Colin Hargis and countless others. Lastly, a huge thanks this year to the Wolfpack Nation donors who made much of our continued success financially possible. Pack Risin'!"
If you would like to support the Wolfpack Men's Tennis program directly, you may due so by contributing to the Men's Tennis Enhancement Fund. Donations to the enhancement fund provide support for initiatives and operations directly benefiting the Men's Tennis program and its student-athletes. CLICK HERE to contribute today or for more information, contact the Wolfpack Club at 919-865-1500
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