Feb. 13, 2000
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - It came down to one match for the Purdue men's tennis team on Sunday as they faced North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Although the round went into a tiebreaker, the Tarheels edged out the Boilermakers.
"It came down to Derek Miller at the No. 2 singles spot," Tim Madden said. "It was a heartbreak loss, but he has nothing to be ashamed of. Derek has moved up from No. 6 last year, and is playing well."
Miller was defeated by North Carolina's Assaf Drori. Their match became the deciding factor, with Drori on top 7-5, 3-6, 7-5.
"North Carolina is a very solid team at every position," Madden said. "It was a tough day, but I am proud because we are dictating our play. Our opponents are having to adapt to us."
Jason Marshall defeated Tripp Phillips 6-1, 7-6 at the top of the singles lineup. Madden was impressed with Marshall's effort.
"Jason came up with a big win for us," Madden said. "I give Jason a lot of credit because Tripp is one of the nation's strongest players."
The Boilers picked up the doubles point with victories at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions. Laith Al-Agba and Scott Mayer defeated David Cheatwood and Trystan Meniane 9-7, while Carl McCafferty and Derek Miller knocked off Assaf Drori and Greg Archer 8-4.
"Our doubles play continues to be exciting," Madden said. "We as a team have gotten better with every match we have played this season. I am enthusiastic about the future of this young team."
No. 51 North Carolina 4, No. 66 Purdue 3
Singles
No. 1 Jason Marshall (PU) def. Tripp Phillips (UNC) 6-1, 7-6
No. 2 Assaf Drori (UNC) def. Derek Miller (PU) 7-5, 3-6, 7-5
No. 3 David Cheatwood (UNC) def. Laith Al-Agba (PU) 6-4, 6-4
No. 4 Marcio Petrone (UNC) def. Carl McCafferty (PU) 6-4, 6-4
No. 5 Trystan Meniane (UNC) def. Scott Mayer (PU) 6-2, 7-5
No. 6 Andrew Wakefield (PU) def. Chad Riley (UNC) 6-1, 5-7, 6-2
Doubles
No. 1 Phillips/Petrone (UNC) def. Marshall/Wakefield (PU) 8-6
No. 2 Al-Agba/Mayer (PU) def. Cheatwood/Meniane (UNC) 9-7
No. 3 McCafferty/Miller (PU) def. Drori/Archer (UNC) 8-4