Seahawks Draw Gamecocks In NCAAs

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Just five days after capturing its seventh Colonial Athletic Association men's tennis championship, UNCW will return to the NCAA Regionals to face national seed South Carolina in the 2021 NCAA Men's Tennis Championships in Columbia, S.C.

The Seahawks learned their opponent and destination late Monday during a special selection show on NCAA.com. UNCW, 15-5, will take on the No. 12 Gamecocks, 15-9, on Friday, May 7, at 1 p.m. No 25 N.C. State and No. 48 Liberty open the regional with a 10 a.m. match at the Carolina Tennis Center.

"It's always great to see your name come up on the screen," said Mait DuBois, UNCW's successful 14-year head coach. "We're excited about going to play at South Carolina. It's a team that we've played in the past and know well.

"South Carolina is a well-coached team. They always compete well. We have a lot of momentum building and we're excited for what's coming.

"This year's been really tough. Our guys didn't really get to experience the real college life. They've handled it well and made the most of it. We've had a lot of guys with injuries and it's been impressive what they've been able to accomplish. It's a quick turnaround from the conference tournament to the NCAAs and I hope we can ride that momentum to the tournament."

Friday's match marks UNCW's eighth trip to the NCAA Regionals and its first since 2018. UNCW stands 1-7 in NCAA action and will be facing South Carolina for the second time in postseason play. The Seahawks blanked the then-ranked No. 18 Gamecocks, 4-0, on May 10, 2013, in a first-round match in Durham, N.C.

The Gamecocks of the Southeastern Conference received an at-large berth and are making their 26^th appearance in the NCAAs. Four Gamecocks are nationally ranked in singles, including SEC First-Teamers No. 2 Daniel Rodrigues and No. 22 Connor Thomson. Eight of USC's 15 wins have come against ranked opponents, including four vs. top-20 foes.

South Carolina is one of 11 SEC teams in the 64-team field and one of seven hosting the opening rounds. Joining South Carolina in earning a seed are No. 1 Florida, No. 3 Tennessee, No. 8 Texas A&M, No. 11 Georgia, No. 14 Kentucky and No. 15 Ole Miss. Alabama and Arkansas. LSU and Mississippi State are also in tourney.

Tickets for the first and second rounds at Carolina Tennis Center are $5 for fans over the age of two. Students of the four participating schools may purchase tickets for $3 with a valid University ID.

UNCW CAA Men's Tennis Championships
2009 | 2011 | 2013 | 2014 | 2017 | 2018 | 2021

UNCW NCAA Tennis Regional Appearances
2009 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2017 | 2018 | 2021

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Seahawks Draw Gamecocks In NCAAs