UNC women's tennis picks up a pair of victories on Tuesday, topping ECU and Campbell

The No. 3 North Carolina women’s tennis team (4-0, 0-0 ACC) defeated ECU (0-1) and Campbell (0-1) in Tuesday’s double header in Chapel Hill. 

What happened?

The Tar Heels started the day with a doubles sweep over ECU. The sixth-ranked doubles team made up of senior Cameron Morra and first-year Carson Tanguilig dominated their opponent in a 6-0 victory — clinching the doubles point for UNC. 

Senior Allie Sanford and sophomore Reilly Tran finished their match even faster, also winning 6-0. Sophomore Fiona Crawley along with junior Anika Yarlagadda put the icing on the cake in their doubles victory. 

In the singles against ECU, the Tar Heels maintained a strong hold over the match.  None of the six singles match victories for UNC went to three sets, and Yarlagadda withheld her opponent from winning a single game. 

Senior Sophia Patel found herself in a closer battle where she was down in her match and climbed back to still take it in two sets. 

After taking the match 7-0 against ECU, UNC set a new home winning streak record of 51. 

The second match of the day against Campbell was a similar result as the Tar Heels once again did not allow a point to their short-handed opponent. 

Morra and Tanguilig once again handled their business in the doubles with a 6-1 victory, while Yarlagadda and junior Kacie Harvey completed the sweep after winning 7-5. 

UNC controlled its fate in the following singles with all matches ending after two sets — except for Patel’s. 

Patel once again found herself down early after dropping the first set 7-5. She bounced back strongly in the second set with a 6-2 victory, setting up a thrilling tie breaker set in which she came out victorious with 13 points to her opponent’s 11. 

The Tar Heels finished the Camels 6-0 following Patel’s match-ending win. 

Who stood out? 

Morra and Tanguilig were the stars of doubles play in both matches. They only lost one game between ECU and Campbell, showing why they are the No. 6 duo in the nation.

Tran’s impact showed in the singles matches as she conquered two opponents on the day in dominating fashion — winning both in two sets and holding each under three wins in each set.

When was it decided?

Both matches were ultimately decided in the singles play, but the tone set by the doubles matches cannot be denied as those were the games where UNC established its hold on the scoreboard.

After each set of doubles matches, it was obvious that the Tar Heels were much more talented and well coached than their opponents — both of whom failed to climb their way back into competition. 

Why does it matter?

The Tar Heels’ first four wins have been nothing short of a pleasant indicator of how successful this season can be. 

The team has so far shown significant depth in talent from its first-years to its seniors who are —  for the most part — competing at a high level right now. 

Currently ranked at No. 3, UNC has proven itself worthy of its position among the nation’s best, however, they have yet to face a major test to solidify that ranking. 

With Georgia next on the schedule, the time is now for the Tar Heels. 

When do they play next?

UNC will be at home against No. 4 Georgia on Jan. 22 at 11 a.m.

@DTHSports | sports@dailytarheel.com