April 17, 2002

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina men's tennis team has had a stellar season thus far. The Heels have compiled a 16-5 dual match record despite playing against some of the toughest competition in the nation within the Atlantic Coast Conference.

In fact, five of the nine ACC teams competing in the conference championships this weekend are ranked in the top 60 in the nation (#14 Duke, #23 Wake Forest, #52 Florida State) including the 25th-ranked Tar Heels.

UNC will continue their season on Friday at noon when they play the winner of the Maryland/Virginia first round match in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament, which will be played at the Millbrook Exchange Tennis Center in Raleigh, N.C. The ACC championship match is Sunday at 11 a.m.

The Heels are looking forward to receiving their 10th NCAA Tournament bid in 11 years either by receiving the automatic selection, which is given to the ACC Tournament champion, or by receiving an at-large bid.

Below is a recent conversation that head coach Sam Paul had with TarHeelBlue.com

Tar Heel Blue (THB): How is your outlook going into the ACC Tournament?

Coach Paul (CP): We are looking forward to playing Virginia or Maryland. That will be a tough match and that's what we are focused on right now.

THB: What do you think are the biggest improvements your team has made this season?

CP: We've gotten better and better as the year has gone on. Our freshmen (Daniel Pinchbeck, Geoff Boyd) have gotten accustomed to playing matches and I think overall we have improved and learned from ever match.

THB: Could you talk about the value of having Marcio Petrone as the lone senior on this year's team?

CP: He has been a great leader for us. He has really been a rock at the #1 position all season. He has improved every year that he has been here and that is a credit to him because he has worked so hard.

THB: How do you feel about UNC alumnus Tripp Phillips winning his first professional singles title?

CP: I am happy for Tripp. He still comes back to town and works with us from time to time. He works hard and he is seeing the rewards for his work.