CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson men’s tennis team (9-4, 0-1 ACC) fought on Friday night in the ACC opener against NC State (7-4, 1-0 ACC) but were unable to capture the victory, dropping the match 4-0.
The Tigers and Wolfpack were evenly matched and battled from the first serve in doubles, but NC State was able to get off to a quick start and take the win on Court 3, 6-2. Max Smith and Spencer Whitaker were down 5-2 against NC State’s No. 39 pair Wayanda/Izquierdo Luque, facing two set points before making an incredible comeback on Court 1, looking to push NC State to a tiebreak. Right before, the No. 50 doubles team in the nation, Staeheli and Catry, took a tight 7-5 win to secure the doubles point, leaving Court 1’s score unfinished.
NC State got on the board again in singles play, winning on Court 4 before the Wolfpack’s Van Sambeek secured the victory on Court 6, 6-3, 6-3. M. Pitts climbed back from down 1-6 in the first set but was unable to win set two as NC State took the set 7-5 and the match 4-0.
The Tigers will continue their home stretch this Sunday, March 5 against No. 25 Wake Forest at the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility. The match will be played outdoors with first serve at noon.
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