No. 22 NC State traveled to Blacksburg, VA Friday, Mar. 1 to take on ACC opponent Virginia Tech in the Pack's first ACC match of the season.
In a wavering match against the Hokies the Pack managed to thread the needle putting its first ACC victory on the board.
Statement from head Coach Kyle Spencer: "Good battle from the guys today. Virginia Tech is always a very tough place to play. Looking forward to another good battle vs. Virginia on Sunday. Pack Risin.'"
The Pack faced a competitive battle over the Hokies in both doubles and singles play. The Pack pulled through in doubles to fight a tense neck and neck match on each court. On court one duo
Robin Catry and
Luca Staeheli made strides against opponents Ryan Fishback and Maxime Hilaire taking a quick 2-1 lead.
Fons Van Sambeek and
Braden Shick followed with a 2-1 lead as well on court three.
All courts were met with a 4-3 matchup with the Pack leading all by one.The Hokies picked up the pace after dropping on all three courts, bringing all games to a 5-5 nailbitter. After putting pressure on the Pack to put the first point on the board. In a close call court three gave the Wolfpack a step up, defeating opponents Alex Ix and Michael Shepheard. Catry and Staeheli battled it out on court 1 clinching the doubles point for the Pack in a 7-5 victory.
The Pack clinched the doubles point, putting the first point on the board. Building off the momentum the Pack headed into singles play with the Hokies still seeking out opportunities to get ahead.
On court one
Robin Catry came out strong in the first set over No. 59 ranked opponent Ryan Fishback. Catry led 6-2, with Fishback eventually catching up in the second set to make it a 6-2, 3-6 match. Bouncing back in the third, Carry swept No. 59 Fishback 6-0. Catry put the third point on the board for the Pack giving them a 3-0 lead over the Hokies.
Taking Catry's lead, all courts led in the first set over Hokie opponents. No. 109
Braden Shick, and
Damien Salvestre both put points on the board for the Pack in singles play, defeating Hokie opponents in back to back sets. Junior
Fons Van Sambeek clinched the match winning point on court three after defeating opponent Hugo Maia 6-2, 7-6(7-4) in a second set tiebreaker.
Refusing to back down without a fight, the Hokies took courts one, five, and six into the third set after coming back in the second. On court four Salvestre battled a two set match taking both sets to seven. Giving the Pack a 5-0 lead leaving
Luca Staeheli on court four, and Joe Wayand on court six to close out the match for the Pack.
Staheli and Wayand battled out in the third set with their team behind them to close out the match. Wayand defeated defeated Hokie opponent Benjamin Pomeranets with a 6-4, 1-6, 6-2. Staeheli on court four also defeated opponent Michael Shepheard 6-4,4-6, 4-1 after the match was eventually retired.
Singles competition1. #61
Robin Catry (ST) def. #59 Ryan Fishback (VT) 6-2, 3-6, 6-0
2. #109
Braden Shick (ST) def. Maxime St. Hilaire (VT) 6-4, 6-4
3.
Fons Van Sambeek (ST) def. Hugo Maia (VT) 6-2, 7-6 (7-4)
4.
Luca Staeheli (ST) def. Michael Shepheard (VT) 6-4, 4-6, 4-1, retired
5.
Damien Salvestre (ST) def. Alex Ix (VT) 7-5, 7-6 (7-2)
6. #124
Joseph Wayand (ST) def. Benjamin Pomeranets (VT) 6-4, 1-6, 6-2
Doubles competition1.
Robin Catry/
Luca Staeheli (ST) def. Ryan Fishback/Maxime St. Hilaire (VT) 7-5
2. Alberto Orso/Matt Harper (VT) vs. #22
Joseph Wayand/
Martin Borisiouk (ST) 6-6, unfinished
3.
Braden Shick/
Fons Van Sambeek (ST) def. Alex Ix/Michael Shepheard (VT) 7-6
Up Next: The Pack will head to Charlottesville, VA Sunday, Mar. 5 to take on No. 8 Virginia to close out its two match weekend.
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