Charlotte Men’s Tennis Extends Winning Streak, Bests UNC Asheville 5-2
Charlotte, N.C. – The Charlotte 49ers men’s tennis team continued their impressive start to the 2024 season, securing a 5-2 victory over UNC Asheville on Sunday afternoon at LifeTime Fitness. The Niners, now 3-0, have won three consecutive matches to open the campaign.
Niner Dominance Continues at Home
Playing indoors due to inclement weather, Charlotte proved dominant on their home court, replicating their strong performances from last weekend’s season-opening victories over Queens and The Citadel. The Niners clinched the doubles point with authority, securing victories on courts one and two to gain an early advantage.
In singles competition, Charlotte showcased their depth and resilience. Ignacio Iturbe, the team’s top-ranked player, delivered a commanding performance at the No. 1 spot, securing a straight-set victory. Simon, playing at the No. 2 position, displayed his all-court game, grinding out a hard-fought win to extend Charlotte’s lead.
Lucas Prata, Igor Ribakovic, and Jannick Schlossmann also contributed to the team’s success with singles victories, securing the match for the Niners. Prata and Schlossmann, playing on courts four and five, respectively, displayed their consistent baseline play and opportunistic net play to overcome their opponents.
UNC Asheville’s Spring Opener
UNC Asheville, making their spring season debut, faced a tough challenge against a well-prepared Charlotte squad. The Bulldogs, who participated in four fall events, including the Charlotte Fall Invitational, were unable to find their rhythm against the Niners.
Head Coach Matt Frost, in his first spring campaign with UNC Asheville, witnessed his team’s resilience despite the loss. Notable returners like Sam Nicholson, Jon Brann Reid, and Rafa Serra showed glimpses of their potential, providing hope for future matches.
Historical Rivalry and Challenging Schedule
Charlotte’s victory over UNC Asheville extends their all-time record against the Bulldogs to 7-1. The Niners have dominated the recent meetings, winning the last six matchups, including a 6-1 victory in Asheville last season.
The Niners’ spring schedule presents a series of challenging tests, featuring five 2023 NCAA Tournament participants, six fellow American Athletic Conference programs, and eight teams ranked in the top 75 of last season’s ITA rankings. After opening the slate with three home matches, Charlotte will embark on a six-match road trip, facing Virginia Tech, Radford, and other formidable opponents.
Home Stretch and Tough Opponents
Charlotte’s home stretch in February promises exciting matchups, including South Carolina State, a 2023 NCAA Tournament participant, and Liberty, the reigning 2023 NIT Champions. The Niners will also face Presbyterian, the 2023 Big South Champions, and AAC foe Rice, adding to the intensity of their remaining schedule.
New Additions and Fall Season Highlights
The Niners welcomed talented additions to their roster this season, including graduate transfer Anthony Richards from Wichita State and junior transfer Yannick Schlossmann from Austin Peay. Richards brings a strong doubles record, while Schlossmann was a two-time all-conference selection with the Governors, bolstering Charlotte’s lineup.
In the 2023-24 fall season, the Niners compiled an impressive record, showcasing their individual and team strength. Ignacio Iturbe defeated a nationally ranked player from Princeton, while Simon claimed the B1 singles flight title at the Wake Forest Invitational. Iturbe’s perfect 6-0 fall record earned him a top-125 ranking.
Building on Last Season’s Experience
The 2022-23 Niner squad, featuring a mix of young talent and experienced leadership, made history by securing the program’s first-ever appearance at ITA Kickoff Weekend and defeating NCAA Tournament hopeful Texas Tech. This season, seven players return from that squad, aiming to build on their success and make a deeper run in the postseason.
Healthy Prata’s Return
Lucas Prata, a key contributor in his freshman year, is back in action after recovering from a hand injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023 spring season. His return bolsters Charlotte’s lineup, adding depth and experience to the team’s pursuit of an AAC Championship.
New Conference and Goal
Charlotte Men’s Tennis is now a member of the American Athletic Conference, marking a new chapter in the program’s history. The team aims to make an immediate impact in the AAC, bringing a conference championship back to Charlotte and establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
Bailey’s Leadership
Under the guidance of Head Coach Billy Bailey, Charlotte has made significant strides, securing three Conference USA Tournament appearances and reaching the Conference USA title match for the first time in program history. Bailey’s leadership and strategic approach have been instrumental in the team’s success, and he remains committed to building a championship contender.
Upcoming Schedule
After their successful home stand, Charlotte will embark on a road trip, facing Virginia Tech and Radford on January 28. They will then return home to host Presbyterian on February 17, followed by Liberty on February 25. The Niners’ challenging schedule will test their mettle as they strive for greatness in the AAC and beyond.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Charlotte Men’s Tennis in action as they continue their quest for success. Come out and support the team at their upcoming home matches and cheer them on as they chase their championship dreams.