The Virginia men's tennis players will have their work cut out for them next weekend when they head to Seattle to defend their three-year reign as ITA National Indoor Champions. But before they can shift their focus to Seattle, the Cavaliers must maintain their momentum with another stellar performance in matches against Virginia Tech and at Boston College this weekend.
Against Virginia Tech, the Cavaliers (8-0, 1-0 ACC) look to continue their impressive homestand to open the season. Virginia has won eight consecutive home games at the Boar's Head Sports Club, including marquee victories against then-No.12 Kentucky and then-No. 16 Illinois. The run has cemented the Cavaliers' position as the No. 1 team in the country.
The Kentucky match featured a strong victory by senior Michael Shabaz, who took down the No. 2-ranked singles player in the country, Kentucky junior Eric Quigley. Shabaz later was named ACC Co-Player of the Week, and Virginia coach Brian Boland understandably spoke highly of Shabaz's winning performance against such a formidable foe.
"I was impressed with Michael's composure, his professionalism, the way he thought out the match and some of the choices he made," Boland said.
So far, the high caliber of Shabaz's play has elevated an already powerful Cavalier team. During its last eight matches, Virginia has outscored its opposition by the commanding margin of 65-2, but the team has an even more impressive streak on the line
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