March 3, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After going 3-1 in last weekend’s two home doubleheaders, the Vanderbilt men’s tennis team closes out non-conference play facing its biggest challenge yet, the No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels.
Friday’s matchup in Chapel Hill, N.C. can be followed via livestats and live streaming. The Commodores and Tar Heels will faceoff at 2:00 pm CT at the Cone-Kenfield Tennis Center.
Vanderbilt heads into the weekend with an 8-5 record and, despite a near upset over then-No. 23 Columbia, a No. 53 ranking by the ITA. Individually, the Commodores have several players who have consistently held their weight in the VU lineup.
Daniel Valent has won 14 of his last 15 completed matches, and has established an 8-1 record at No. 1. The Zurich, Switzerland native is 4-1 against ranked foes this spring, boasting wins over two Oracle/ITA top-50 opponents.
Cameron Klinger has proved his abilities in tenfold for the Dores as the freshman has only two dual losses to his name, boasting wins from three different spots in the Vandy singles lineup.
In addition to his impact in singles, the San Jose, Calif. native is joined by Rhys Johnson at No. 1 doubles. The senior/freshman tandem has brought stability to the doubles lineup, owning an 8-3 record.
Playing predominately at the No. 3, Baker Newman also owns minimal losses with only three in the past two months.
Series History:
Although the Commodores won the doubles point in 2011, the men’s tennis team was unable to hold off the University of North Carolina in singles play and fell, 4-3.
Scouting the Tar Heels:
The Tar Heels are on a 14-match win streak, and have six ranked singles players and two ranked doubles teams in the Oracle/ITA top-35. Friday’s faceoff will also be a conference warm-up for the Heels, as the squad opens up ACC play next week.
Individually, Ronnie Schneider leads the Heels at No. 10 in the nation. Like Valent Schneider only has one loss to his name this spring, and owns a 2-2 record against raked players. The junior rides a 9-0 win-streak at No. 1 singles.