North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State Season Cut Short After 4-3 Defeat to South Carolina
5/5/2024 12:49:00 AM | Men's Tennis
RALEIGH, N.C.- No. 14 NC State men's tennis took the court for the last time this season after getting knocked out of the NCAA tournament in the second round to No. 15 South Carolina Saturday, May 4.
The Pack advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after defeating UNCW 4-0 Friday May 3.
The Wolfpack made history at the beginning of the season defeating the Gamecocks 4-3 in Columbia SC, recording the highest victory over a ranked opponent in program history. At the time the Gamecocks were ranked No. 2 in ITA team rankings. The Pack headed into the match looking to keep the momentum going in the rematch between the two programs but ultimately fell short by a thread.
The Gamecocks took the lead in doubles play with No. 43 James Story and Toby Samuel first match on court one 6-2. Braden Shick and Fons Van Sambeek gave the Pack a glimpse of hope as they tied things up in doubles play on court five. Fighting to meet Van Sambeek and Shick, was Joe Wayand and Robin Catry battling it out on court one. The Gamecocks with a steady lead clinched the doubles point, leaving it up to the singles decisions.
After doubles competition the Pack were interrupted with inclement weather causing all to move indoors for the remainder of the match
Remembering where they once were, the Pack tried to make it a point to get back in the game during singles play. No. 74 Braden Shick took the lead in the first set against opponent No. 101 Casey Hoole. Shick battled it out against Hoole and made adjustments despite moving inside. Shick tied things up for the Pack (6-3, 6-2).
Junior No. 123 Luca Staeheli made strides in singles play taking the first set 6-4 against No. 97 James Story (USC). Staeheli, breaking away from Story, secured the singles point on court three with a 6-0 straight second set, to give the Pack its first lead in the match.
The Gamecocks picked up the pace taking the singles points on court one and four. With three all Junior Damien Salvestre took the next available court, taking on Jelani Sarr (USC). Salvestre danced around the court, testing Sarr's weaknesses throughout the match. Threading the needle Salvestre took the first set 6-2. With his teammates fueling the flame, Salvestre took the second set 6-3. Leaving freshman Jakub Katuch on court one, "Kubi" after dropping the first set managed to come back in the second set 6-3. Katuch putting up a tough battle shied away just at the end giving Lucas Da Silva (USC) the chance to take the third set 6-2.
Box Scores:
Singles competition
1. #6 Toby Samuel (SC) def. #54 Robin Catry (ST) 7-5, 6-1
2. #74 Braden Shick (ST) def. #101 Casey Hoole (SC) 6-3, 6-2
3. #123 Luca Staeheli (ST) def. #97 James Story (SC) 6-4, 6-0
4. Sean Daryabeigi (SC) def. #72 Fons Van Sambeek (ST) 6-4, 6-2
5. Damien Salvestre (ST) def. Jelani Sarr (SC) 6-2, 6-3
6. Lucas da Silva (SC) def. Jakub Katuch (ST) 6-4, 3-6, 6-2
Doubles competition
1. #43 Toby Samuel/James Story (SC) def. Damien Salvestre/Luca Staeheli (ST) 6-2
2. Jelani Sarr/Lucas da Silva (SC) def. Joseph Wayand/Robin Catry (ST) 6-3
3. Fons Van Sambeek/Braden Shick (ST) def. Sean Daryabeigi/Casey Hoole (SC) 6-2
Match Notes:
South Carolina 19-14; National ranking #15
NC State 18-7; National ranking #14
Order of finish: Doubles (1,3,2); Singles (2,3,1,4,5,6)
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Players Mentioned
