MEN’S TENNIS: For UVa, 30 is something

By Whitey Reid

Published: May 12, 2008

Indoors. Outdoors. The planet Neptune.
It doesn’t seem to matter where the University of Virginia men’s tennis team has to play its matches this season — the undefeated Wahoos have gotten it done everywhere.
Now they’re hoping they can get it done four more times in the Panhandle State.
That’s where they’re headed after another strong performance in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday.
No. 1-seeded Virginia wasn’t about to let a rain delay — one that forced play indoors — get in its way. The Cavaliers, behind some brilliant doubles play and an impressive outing by freshman Michael Shabaz in singles, easily disposed of Penn State to move into the Round of 16 against Michigan on Friday in Tulsa, Okla.
“I’m really pleased with our performance,” said Virginia coach Brian Boland, whose team is four wins away from the program’s first-ever NCAA championship. “I thought we came in and were ready to play. The energy was there.
“I thought we played very well, particularly after playing outdoors and then indoors, and continuing the momentum that we had.”
Virginia (30-0), which had already defeated Penn State back in February en route to its indoor championship, needed less than 45 minutes to win the doubles point from the Nittany Lions.
“We played as good of doubles as we have all year long and I really thought that carried us throughout the day…it was extremely impressive,” Boland said. “It feels really good to play at the level I know we’re capable of.”
Devvarman and Treat Huey posted an 8-2 win over Michael James and Brendan Lynch.
“I think it was the best doubles match we played all season,” Devvarman said. “We were really fired up and focused coming in.”
Midway through the set, Devvarman and Huey seemed to deflate their opponents after winning a point they had no business winning. Devvarman made an unbelievable get and Huey put away a volley.
“What he did on that point was just so unbelievable,” said Huey, referring to Devvarman. “He’s just so athletic and so fast. He just looked like Superman.”
Virginia won at No. 2 doubles with just as much ease. Houston Barrick and Sanam Singh disposed of Adam Slagter and Guillaume St. Maurice, 8-2, while Shabaz and Dom Inglot were leading 7-3 over Eddie Bourchier and James Dwyer when play was halted.
Penn State coach Todd Doebler thought his team played to the best of its potential in the doubles. They were simply up against too much talent, he said.
“We were absolutely
given a clinic,” said Doebler, smiling. “I think we should probably owe some money to coach Boland and coach [Tony] Bresky.”
In singles, it was the freshman Shabaz who came out like a man possessed. Before fans could settle in their seats, the Fairfax native had smoked Bourchier, 6-2, 6-1.
Shabaz’ focus was the difference. Earlier in the year, his mind tended to wander during matches, Boland said.
“I served well and moved pretty well and just kept fighting,” Shabaz said. “I think the ball just bounced my way today.”
Shabaz was the only Virginia singles player to complete his match outside. Shortly after his victory, it started pouring and play was moved indoors to the Boar’s Head Sports Club.
Boland couldn’t say enough about Shabaz.
“We always knew if we could get Michael Shabaz playing at this level, we would be really good,” Boland said. “Things are clicking on all cylinders for us now.
“I couldn’t feel better about our team as we move into the Round of 16. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — this is the best I’ve ever felt as a coach advancing to the Sweet 16. I feel really good about this team.”
Huey followed Shabaz’ win with a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Slagter before Ted Angelinos closed Penn State out with a 6-3,
6-3 victory over St. Maurice.
Devvarman was leading 7-6, 4-2 when play was halted, while Inglot and freshman Sanam Singh were in the third sets of their matches.
Now it’s off to Tulsa.
“We’re really fired up and ready to go,” Devvarman said. “I think we’re going to play some good tennis out there.”
They have everywhere else.