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Men's Tennis
When We Last Left Our Heroes
Virginia needed a win over Wake Forest to clinch the #1 seed in the ACC Tournament, and a win on senior day over Miami to lock up the regular season title.
How'd They Do?
Virginia did indeed defeat Wake Forest for the second time to take the #1 seed, and easily defeated the Canes to grab the regular season title. In Cary, NC the Hoos downed NC State in the quarterfinals before running into North Carolina. The Tar Heels took a 3-0 lead over Virginia before the Cavaliers stormed back with wins at the 3, 4, 5 and 6 singles spots to eke out a 4-3 victory over the only ACC team they had yet to beat this season.
In the ACC final, however, the roles were reversed. Wake Forest, who had lost twice to Virginia so far this year, gained a measure of revenge with a razor thin 4-3 win. The match was ultimately decided by a third set tiebreaker at #6 singles, where Virginia's Luca Corinteli struggled with his serve as the worst possible moment, and ended up losing to Dennis Uspensky. The loss to Wake Forest snapped Virginia's 9 year ACC title streak.
What's Next?
Virginia is in line to be the top seed in the NCAA Tournament when it is announced next Tuesday. The Hoos came into the ACC Tournament as the #1 team in the country, and their win over UNC in the semifinals gave the Cavaliers a nice boost to their computer rankings. The loss to Wake was not a big hit because Virginia had previously beaten the Deacons twice.
Women's Tennis
When We Last Left Our Heroes
After a rocky April, the Cavaliers were hoping to build some momentum towards the postseason with a final weekend of cupcakes in Pittsburgh and Notre Dame.
How'd They Do?
The Hoos got the victories over the Panthers and Irish, and saw their national ranking take a hit for their trouble. Both Pitt and Notre Dame were not great additions to Virginia's strength of schedule, causing the Cavaliers to sit precariously at the #16 national ranking. The top 16 seeds in the NCAA Tournament typically get to host the first two rounds of the tournament.
The Cavaliers would need a strong effort in the ACC Tournament to maintain their ranking, and they got what they needed. Virginia squeaked by a tough Florida State squad 4-3 in the opening round, and then got that big win with a 4-2 victory over Duke. The Cavaliers were swept aside by eventual champions North Carolina in the semifinals, 4-1, but the Top 16 ranking is locked in.
What's Next?
Virginia will be in the NCAA Tournament when it is announced next week, and barring any shenanigans by the selection committee, will be a host for the first two rounds.