Cavs drop Wolfpack in tournament debut

By Whitey Reid

Published: April 18, 2008

Just like eight days ago, the Virginia men’s tennis team didn’t have its ‘A’ game against N.C. State.
Just like eight days ago, it didn’t really matter.
The way the Cavaliers have been playing this year, their ‘B’ game often gets the job done.
No. 1 Virginia, behind a solid performance from sophomore Houston Barrick, defeated N.C. State, 4-1, in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament in Altamonte Springs, Fla.
“N.C. State played us tough,” said Virginia coach Brian Boland during a telephone interview with a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice. “We’re just going to have to keep getting better with every match of this tournament.
“I do believe we are going to improve. That’s what our focus is going to be.”
With the win, top-seeded Virginia (26-0) advanced to a semifinal showdown against Wake Forest that will take place at 10 a.m. today.
Barrick, who has been surging late in the season thanks to some extra work he’s put in on his serve, defeated David Chermack in No. 6 singles, 6-2, 6-0. It was the Nashville native’s second win over Chermack this season.
“I served and volleyed real well,” Barrick said. “I think it helped that we had played before and I kind of knew what to expect. I just went out there and executed and just played my game, and that was enough.”
Boland has liked what he has seen out of Barrick.
“He’s worked really hard and put his time in after each and every match,” Boland said. “I’m really happy with his overall performance of late.”
Barrick’s effort against the Wolfpack was vital because Sanam Singh, for the second time in his last three matches, didn’t play his best. The freshman from India — who was playing at No. 3 so that Boland could rest Dom Inglot — lost to Jay Weinacker, 6-3, 6-4.
“He played a guy who played extremely well,” Boland said. “It had a lot more to do with his opponent. I think he played better today. I think he needs to get a few more matches under his belt in order to play at the level we know he can.”
Like Singh, Somdev Devvarman and Treat Huey also weren’t clicking on all cylinders.
Devvarman needed a second-set tiebreaker to dispose of James McGee, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4). Huey dropped his second set against Nick Cavaday before the match was halted in the third set (with him leading 2-0) after Virginia had clinched.
In the other singles matches, Michael Shabaz trailed Christian Welte 3-0 in the third set at No. 4, while Ted Angelinos beat Derek Stephens, 6-3, 6-2 at No. 5.
UVa had started the day strong by winning the doubles point.
“We were on the ropes a little bit,” Barrick said, “but it’s good to get tested early on. Early on you just want to find a way to win.”
Boland expressed similar sentiments.
“It’s nice to get the first match out of the way,” he said. “I think it’s not unusual to start out a little slow, so overall I’m pleased with our performance because I know it’s only going to get better.”
Aces
With the victory, Virginia extended its school record winning streak to 26 matches overall and 29 straight against ACC opponents (regular-season and postseason). The Cavaliers also improved to 12-1 at the ACC Tournament since 2004. … UVa will be meeting Wake Forest in the ACC semifinals for the third time in the past four years. The Cavaliers defeated the Demon Deacons to reach the ACC Final in 2005 and 2007. Wake Forest advanced to this year’s semifinals with a 4-3 win over Virginia Tech on Friday.