April 17, 2011
Results
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
In its final regular-season match, the No. 48 Maryland Terrapins men's tennis team fell to the 34th-ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 4-3.
The Terps (11-11, 3-8 ACC) stormed back to tighten the match after dropping the doubles point, but were unable to overcome the Demon Deacons (12-10, 5-6) in singles play.
Sergio Wyss, who has faced some recent struggles, was able to defeat Iain Atkinson at No. 3 singles, 6-4, 6-4. Atkinson is currently ranked No. 105 nationally in singles play by the ITA. Maros Horny also was victorious on the day as he defeated Wake Forest's Tripper Carlton, 6-1, 6-3.
In the most exciting match of the afternoon, Maryland's Tommy Laine faced the Demon Deacon's David Hopkins at No. 5 singles. After winning the first set 6-4, Laine let the first few points of the second set slip away. Laine then rallied to tie the match, forcing a tiebreaker. Hopkins proved to be no match for Laine, as the sophomore dominated in the tiebreaker, winning the second set 7-6 (7-2).
Wake Forest's Adam Lee secured the match for the Demon Deacons by defeating Andy Magee, 7-5, 3-6, 6-2.
Despite losing the match, Maryland's head coach Kyle Spencer is pleased with the team's effort and ability to contend with top-ranked teams.
"Wake Forest is a very good team, and we got behind right off the break with losing the doubles point," said Spencer. "I'm happy that Sergio and Maros were able to win, especially given that they have been struggling a bit lately. Tommy had a very tough match and was able to come out on top. Unfortunately, we just weren't good enough today, and when you play good teams, you have to minimize your mistakes."
The Terps will use the upcoming week to prepare for the ACC Championship. The tournament will be held from April 21-24 in Cary, N.C. With a victory in the tournament, the Terrapins could qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
"The whole ACC season prepares you for the ACC Tournament," said Spencer. "We are looking to take it a step further and get into the NCAA Tournament. The ACC Tournament is going to be a good opportunity for us to pick up another victory over a quality opponent, as well as give us some more experience towards the NCAA Tournament."
Seeding for the ACC Tournament will be announced on Monday.
