UNC Women’s Tennis Triumphs in a Historic ACC Championship Showdown
CARY, N.C. – In an electrifying display of skill and determination, the No. 2 seeded North Carolina women’s tennis team claimed a decisive victory against No. 4 seeded Virginia, sweeping them 4-0 in the finals of the 2025 ACC Women’s Championship held at Cary Tennis Park. This match marked the third face-off this season between the two rivals, with UNC seeking redemption after two narrow defeats earlier in the year.
The Importance of Focus: A Tactical Approach
The Tar Heels entered this championship match with vengeance, fueled by their previous two 4-3 losses to the Cavaliers in January and February. Coach Brian Kalbas emphasized a singular focus, urging his team to concentrate on their strengths rather than the challenges posed by their opponents. “We talked the whole tournament just making it about us, making it about our growth and what we can control,” Kalbas noted. This mindset proved pivotal, leading the team to their 13th ACC Championship and second consecutive title.
A Winning Streak: Riding High
With this latest victory, the Tar Heels have now secured eight straight wins, demonstrating formidable momentum with 16 victories out of their last 17 matches, bringing their overall record to an impressive 23-4. The sheer dominance displayed by the team not only showcases their skill but encapsulates their tenacity.
Doubles Domination
The match kicked off with stunning performances in the doubles segment. Reese Brantmeier and Alanis Hamilton came out swinging, dismantling the top-ranked UVA duo with a swift 6-1 victory. This has pushed their impressive season record to 21-2. Meanwhile, the duo of Tatum Evans and Theadora Rabman battled through a tight match on court No. 3, ultimately clinching the doubles point for UNC with a 6-3 win. Notably, the Tar Heels have clinched the doubles point in 25 out of 26 matches this season—a testament to their strategic prowess.
Singles Success: A Step Closer to Glory
The energy surged as the singles matches began. Carson Tanguilig quickly ignited the Tar Heels, delivering a 6-0, 6-2 triumph on No. 5, setting the stage for a potential championship finish. On the adjacent court, Claire Hill mirrored this momentum with a fast-paced 6-2, 6-0 victory of her own.
As the atmosphere crackled with excitement, all eyes turned to court No. 1, where Reese Brantmeier solidified her team’s dominance with a resounding 6-2, 6-1 win. This clinched the 4-0 sweep against Virginia, culminating in celebration for the Tar Heels as they lifted their championship trophy aloft.
Summary of the Match
FINAL SCORE:
#8 North Carolina 4, #7 Virginia 0
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2025
Location: Cary Tennis Park – 2025 ACC Championship Final
Match Results – Doubles
- UNC: Reese Brantmeier / Alanis Hamilton def. UVA: #1 Elaine Chervinsky / Melodie Collard – 6-1
- UNC: Susanna Maltby / Carson Tanguilig vs. UVA: #51 Martina Genis Salas / Annabelle Xu – 5-6 (unfinished)
- UNC: Tatum Evans / Theadora Rabman def. UVA: Margaret Navarro / Sara Ziodato – 6-3
Order of Finish: 1, 3
Match Results – Singles
- UNC: Reese Brantmeier def. UVA: #20 Sara Ziodato – 6-2, 6-1
- UNC: Tatum Evans vs. UVA: #33 Elaine Chervinsky – 5-7, 1-0 (unfinished)
- UNC: Theadora Rabman vs. UVA: #35 Annabelle Xu – 4-6, 1-2 (unfinished)
- UNC: Alanis Hamilton vs. UVA: Martina Genis Salas – 5-7, 2-0 (unfinished)
- UNC: Carson Tanguilig def. UVA: Isabelle Lacy – 6-0, 6-2
- UNC: Claire Hill def. UVA: Melodie Collard – 6-2, 6-0
Order of Finish: 5, 6, 1
Time of Match: 2:00
Conclusion
With this victory, the North Carolina women’s tennis team not only continues their storied legacy but also reasserts their dominance in collegiate tennis. This championship win is a powerful reminder of their resilience and determination to rise above previous setbacks. As they carry their trophy back to Chapel Hill, one thing is certain: the sky is the limit for these exceptional athletes.
