April 1, 2011
Results
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
No. 44 Maryland was able to improve its conference record as it picked up a victory over rival Clemson (14-7, 1-5) on Friday. The Terps picked up a point early in doubles play and never looked back from there. The victory is Maryland's third this season over a ranked opponent, including its second over a top-50 team.
John Collins was able to seal the victory for Maryland at No. 3 singles by defeating Clemson's Gerardo Meza. After falling behind early in the first set, Collins was able to rally and force a tiebreaker, eventually winning the set, 7-6 (10-8). Collins secured the victory in the second set 6-2, sealing the match for the Terps.
Collins also won his doubles match as he partnered with Tommy Laine to defeat Clemson's pair of Juan Bolona and Dominique Maden, 8-3. Laine later went on to win agianst Dominique Maden at No. 4 singles, 6-4, 6-1.
Andy Magee also notched two victories on the afternoon. Partnering with Jesse Kiuru, the tandem defeated the Derek DiFazio and Robert Pietrucha, 8-6, securing the doubles point for the Terrapins. Magee later upended the Tiger's Wesley Moran, 6-0, 6-3.
Maryland's head coach Kyle Spencer is pleased with the team's response after a stretch of tough opponents.
"We schedule our non-conference very tough so we know what it is like to play good teams," said Spencer. "By the time ACC play rolls around, we feel like we are ready to play with the best in the league. I'm very pleased with the way the guys responded after not having the results we wanted on the road."
The victory improved Maryland's record to 10-7 on the year. The Terps are 2-4 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
"We lost 6-1 to this team last year, so to beat them 5-2 is huge," added Spencer. "This shows our progress as a team, and I'm very pleased with the way we fought. This is a very good Clemson team we defeated today, and they play everyone close. I'm excited that they could see all of their hard work come to fruition today with such good energy."
The Terrapins will be back in action again on Sunday as they face ACC foe and No. 19 Georgia Tech (14-2, 5-1) at noon. The match will be played on campus at the Cole Tennis Courts.
