Virginia Men’s Tennis Triumphs Over SMU to Reach ACC Quarterfinals
CARY, N.C. – In an electrifying showdown, the No. 6 Virginia men’s tennis team staged an impressive comeback, defeating SMU 4-2 in the second round of the 2025 ACC Men’s Tennis Championship at the stunning Cary Tennis Park on Thursday, April 17. This victory marks a significant step forward for the Cavaliers, enhancing their chances to capture an ACC championship title.
A Rocky Start Turns into a Spirited Victory
Despite their early struggle, losing the doubles point after SMU claimed victories on courts one and two, the Cavaliers demonstrated resilience. The turning point came in singles play, where Virginia established dominance, winning five of the six first sets against the Mustangs.
Key Singles Performances
Sophomore Dylan Dietrich was the first to ignite the Cavaliers’ momentum, dispatching SMU’s Jerry Barton with a commanding score of 6-1, 6-2, leveling the match at one all. Following Dietrich’s lead, freshman Jangjun Kim put Virginia ahead, overpowering Maks Silagy 6-3, 6-1 on court five.
Junior Mans Dahlberg delivered yet another blow, extending the Virginia advantage to 3-1 with a decisive 6-4, 6-2 victory over Noah McDonald on court six. Despite SMU cutting into the lead with a straight-set victory on court three, the Cavaliers were unfazed, and the final spotlight turned to graduate student James Hopper.
Hopper’s Heroics Seal the Match
Hopper found himself in a nail-biting encounter against Louis Cloud. After clinching a narrow opening set in a tense tiebreak, Hopper found his rhythm and secured a 6-2 win in the second set, clinching the match for the Cavaliers with a final scoreline of 7-6 (6), 6-2.
This pivotal win not only propels Virginia (18-6) into the quarterfinals but showcases a team that thrives under pressure. They are set to face 4-seed Cal (18-3) on Friday, April 18 at 3:30 p.m. — a rematch from their previous encounter this season where the Golden Bears narrowly edged out the Cavaliers 4-3 in Charlottesville.
Match Highlights: What You Need to Know
- Cavaliers Clinched Their Second Victory Against SMU This Season
- SMU Holds a Ranking of No. 64 in the ITA Team Rankings
- This Victory Marks the Eighth Time This Season Cavalier Men’s Tennis Overcame Losing the Doubles Point
- Mans Dahlberg Secured His Sixth Consecutive Singles Win
- Jangjun Kim Achieved His Fifth Straight Completed Singles Match
- Virginia Aims for Their 16th ACC Title
As Virginia gears up for the showdown against Cal, the momentum is palpable. With a squad brimming with talent and determination, the Cavaliers are vying for glory in this prestigious tournament. Don’t miss the action as they seek redemption and aim to continue their quest for yet another ACC title.
For more information about the ACC Men’s Tennis Championship, visit ACC Men’s Tennis.
Conclusion
The Cavaliers’ path through the ACC is poised to be an exhilarating journey, filled with passion and skill. Keep watching, as Virginia continues to carve its legacy in college tennis!
