Virginia Tennis Wins Fifth ITA Indoor National Title

If you read the message boards and twitter during Virginia's close 4-3 win over Ohio State yesterday, you might have thought that Mitchell Frank - a sophomore and former #1-ranked player in the nation - had lost his touch.

So it was fitting that Frank had the clinching point today against USC, taking down #23 Roberto Quiroz in straight sets 6-3, 7-5. Quiroz was on serve, but Frank's patient style of play was too much for the Trojan player as he broke Quiroz to snag the winning point.

Virginia began the day by winning the doubles point in dominant fashion. Alex Domijian and Mitchell Frank recovered from a disappointing doubles performance yesterday to win today at #3 doubles 8-4. Justin Shane and Julen Uriguen clinched the doubles point with an 8-3 win at #2. Jarmere Jenkins and Mac Styslinger were trailing 4-7 at #1 before the match was abandoned.

In singles, Alex Domijian - the nation's top ranked player - gave the Hoos an early 2-0 lead by taking down Emilio Gomez in straight sets 3&2 at #2. But the Trojans got on the board quickly thereafter with Eric Johnson defeating Virginia's Justin Shane in straight sets 5&4.

Then it was Jenkins turn, as he finished off Raymond Sarmiento in straight sets 2&4 at #1 to pull Virginia within one point of the win. Southern Cal didn't go away, however, tallying a win at #5 over Ryan Shane 7-6 (7-4), 6-3.

Just a few moments later, Frank would seal the victory for Virginia, giving them their fifth ITA Indoor title - all of which have come in the last six years. Mac Styslinger was on serve at #4 in the third set before the match was abandoned.

Virginia now has a two week break until they return to action in outdoor play at the Snyder Tennis Center in Charlottesville. They take on Oklahoma on March 3rd at noon. They then go on the road to face Baylor, Texas,Texas A&M and Illinois during The University's spring break.