NCAA Interactive Bracket
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INDIANAPOLIS -
The Maryland men's tennis program had its rebuilding process validated Tuesday when it was invited to the NCAA Tournament.
The Terrapins, under second-year head coach Kyle Spencer, will face Michigan (13-10) at 10 a.m. Friday, May 13 in the first round in Durham, N.C.
Maryland (12-12), which is ranked No. 44 in the nation, is seeded No. 3 in the Duke regional, while the Wolverines, who are 28th in the country, are the No. 2 seed.
The Terps have never made the NCAA field since it went to a single-elimination tournament format in 1978.
"It's an unbelievable accomplishment for these guys, especially where we started two years ago," Spencer said after Tuesday's selection show. "When we look back they'll be in the history books and that's something they should be proud of."
The Terps, who received an at-large berth, would play either Duke (20-9), which is the 11th overall seed in the tournament, or George Washington (15-8) should they knock off Michigan.
The Terps, who have just one senior and one junior on their roster, will have a battle with the Wolverines who are making their sixth straight NCAA appearance.
"I know (head coach Bruce Berque) very well and he's a fantastic coach," Spencer said. "They play in the Big Ten and have played two or three of the ACC teams this season. They are a nationally-recognized program so it's a great opportunity for us. I feel like we're ready and I can't wait for the match."
Playing in one of the toughest leagues in the nation, the Terps have built up a strong resume by knocking off five ranked teams this season, the same number they had over the previous five years.
Maryland has a strong singles and doubles rotation.
Maros Horny is No. 106 on the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) singles rankings.
Horny, a junior, is also in the national doubles rankings with Jan Surovic, checking in at No. 77, and John Collins (No. 34).
Collins has a team-best 22 singles wins and Tommy Laine is second with 21, including six in ACC play.
Maryland could also have an entry or two in the singles and doubles portion of the NCAA Championships. Those will be announced Wednesday.
