UNC Men's Tennis Individuals Shine in Tourney

Unity was on the tip of the North Carolina men's tennis team's tongues after the first day of the ITA Top of the Hill Region II Tournament.

Many players accustomed to playing singles matches dominated in doubles Wednesday at Cone-Kenfield Tennis Center. Most of the pairs had not teamed up prior to the tournament.

On qualifying day, UNC freshman Andrew Metzler won in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5 against Liberty's Andres Cotuna, while fellow freshman Daniel Pinchbeck lost in three sets 4-6, 7-6 and 6-0.

Other Tar Heel singles competitors will play later in the week.

"It's really good when some of your lower guys can win some rounds because that gives you some depth," Metzler said.

Metzler played doubles with senior Marcio Petrone, a player he had not yet seen on the same side of the net.

In the first round, the duo trounced UNC-Asheville's Adam Branks and Damian Mulhane 8-2.

Then Metzler and Petrone easily defeated Wofford's Dial Burnell and Lee Porter 8-3 in the second round.

"It was a new experience for me to play with Andy," Petrone said. "But really it is the same because he's still a team member. It's the same mindset with any partner, you just go out there and give 100 percent."

After losing his singles match, Pinchbeck paired up with Trystan Meniane and won 8-2 against UNC-Greensboro's Tanner Hadden and Bo Whorter.

In the second round qualifier, the pair dominated Liberty's Cotuna and Luiz Rino and rolled to an 8-1 win.

"I was feeling a little pressure in singles, but doubles calmed me down," Pinchbeck said.

Throughout the event, the Tar Heels realized the unity of the team.

UNC's squad is built upon the sole senior Petrone and three juniors: Greg Archer, Max Hilkey, and Meniane.

"I think that's what makes our team so strong is that everybody can play with everybody," sophomore Ben Aiken said. "Everyday you're battling it out with the rest of the team and that drives you to work hard."

Aiken and Hilkey beat Charleston Southern's Ariel Furfuro and Rodrigo Villarroel 8-3.

The pair was victorious in the second round as well with a score of 9-7 against American University's Bence Hamori and Josh Pocacci.

The enthusiasm about the upcoming season continued throughout the tournament.

"We have guys who want the best for the team," Metzler said. "It's all about the team."

 

The Sports Editor can be reached at sports@unc.edu.