CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson men’s tennis team (10-8, 1-5 ACC) clawed back in singles play after dropping the doubles point against No. 11 North Carolina (14-5, 6-1 ACC) but was unable to win the match, losing 4-1.
The Tar Heels came out of the gates quickly, taking the doubles point with 6-1 victories on Courts 1 and 3. Matt Pitts and Jorge Plans Gonzalez’s match on Court 3 went unfinished at 1-4.
The Tigers turned it on in singles play, forcing five courts to three sets. Despite a loss on Court 6, Ryuhei Azuma gutted out a battle with No. 47 Cernoch, winning 6-1, 7-6 (9-7) to bring the score to 2-1 before North Carolina clinched the match with wins on Court 3 and 4.
Up next, the Tigers will travel to take on Miami and No. 17 Florida State. Clemson will play Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday at 5 p.m. before heading to Tallahassee to compete against the Seminoles at noon on Sunday.
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