Men’s Tennis Falls to No. 2 Virginia Despite Doubles Point Win at University of South Carolina
Charlottesville, Va.
The postseason run for the No. 16 University of South Carolina men’s tennis team met a dramatic conclusion on Friday night, with a loss dealt by No. 2 Virginia. Despite securing the doubles point, the Gamecocks failed to garner any singles points before the Cavaliers clinched the match with a 4-1 victory.
Weather Interruptions Delay Match Outcomes
The game had to be deferred initially due to poor weather and experienced a pair of mid-match interruptions due to rainfall. The No. 3 team for South Carolina, comprised of Sean Daryabeigi and Casey Hoole, were the first to register a win. The dynamic duo displayed a near shutout, allowing their adversaries just a single game in their 6-1 triumph.
Doubles Point Secured
The tide turned when the Cavaliers managed to level scores by securing a victory in the No. 1 doubles match. South Carolina’s No. 43 Toby Samuel and James Story fell to the prowess of Chris Rodesch and Jeffrey von der Schulenburg with a 6-4 scoreline. The doubles point was finally clinched in the Gamecocks’ favor on the No. 2 court where the freshman-sophomore duo of Jelani Sarr and Lucas Andrade da Silva outplayed Edoardo Graziani and James Hopper with a 6-4 finish.
Singles Play Nudges Cavaliers Ahead
In singles play, momentum arguably went one way as Virginia claimed first set victories on four out of six courts. Virginia made its mark on the scoreboard, evening the overall score to 1-1 by snatching a win on Court 6. Mans Dahlberg outclassed da Silva with scores of 6-1, 7-5. Virginia further extended their lead when No. 33 Inaki Montes ousted No. 101 Casey Hoole with a 6-3, 7-5 win from Court 2.
Daily Dietrich Tips Virginia’s Victory
No. 52 Dylan Dietrich then tipped the balance in Virginia’s favor with a three-set win over No. 97 Story. Despite Story taking the initial set 6-2, Dietrich bounced back to claim the subsequent two sets 6-1 and 6-2.
Meanwhile, on Court 5, freshman Sarr seemed like he was on track to claim victory over senior Alexander Kiefer. With a promising 7-5, 5-4 lead, Sarr served for the match at 40-15. However, Virginia clinched the match from Court 4, where Daryabeigi fell to No. 61 Schulenburg.
The Road Ahead
The Super Regional loss brings an end to the dual season for the University of South Carolina team. Toby Samuel and Casey Hoole are set to represent the program at the NCAA Singles and Doubles Tournaments that kick-off on May 20 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
