In an exhilarating match at the Milstein Family Tennis Center, Columbia University's eighth-seeded tennis team emerged victorious over ninth-seeded NC State with a score of 4-2. This win propels them to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year. The Lions will now travel to Waco, Texas, where they will face top-seeded Wake Forest on May 16. Coach Howard Endelman expressed pride in his players' performance, especially under challenging windy conditions.
The Lions displayed dominance in doubles play and maintained momentum through singles matches. Key victories by Michael Zheng, Max Westphal, and Hugo Hashimoto helped secure their place in history as they continue their journey toward the national championship.
Unyielding Doubles Performance Sets the Stage
The foundation of Columbia's success was laid during the doubles segment, where they secured crucial early breaks. Ranked forty-first doubles duo Michael Zheng and Nicolas Kotzen excelled against NC State's sixth-ranked pair, Braden Schick and Fons Van Sambeek, winning decisively 6-3. Meanwhile, Hugo Hashimoto and Jayden Templeman closed out their match strongly with a commanding 6-2 victory over Nikolay Nedelchev and Martin Borisiouk.
This impressive start set a positive tone for the rest of the competition. Zheng, Westphal, and Hashimoto capitalized on this momentum by securing early advantages in their respective singles matches. Zheng dominated his opening set 6-2, while Hashimoto clinched his first set 6-4. Westphal, despite facing challenges, managed to break back and eventually took his set 6-4, showcasing resilience under pressure.
Veteran Leadership Steers Team Through Challenges
Despite NC State taking the lead in sets on courts 2, 5, and 6, Columbia's seasoned players demonstrated composure and experience. Senior player Hugo Hashimoto completed his match triumphantly against Jules Leroux, sealing the deal with scores of 6-4, 6-2. Although NC State claimed one point via Luca Staeheli's victory, it wasn't enough to derail Columbia's momentum.
Max Westphal, another senior standout, delivered a critical performance by defeating Fons Van Sambeek 6-4, 6-2, ensuring Columbia's advancement. Coach Endelman highlighted the pivotal roles played by these veteran athletes, praising their dedication and commitment throughout the season. Their ability to rise to the occasion underscores the strength and unity within the team, positioning them favorably for the upcoming quarterfinals against Wake Forest.
