Gamecocks Battle Hard, Drop Tough 4-2 Decision

MADISON, WIS. — In a rematch of an early season bout, No. 14 South Carolina fought valiantly against No. 5 North Carolina, dropping a tight 4-2 contest at the 2020 ITA National Team Indoor Championships. The Gamecocks knotted up the score at 2-2 and pushed the Nos. 1 and 3 singles matches to a third set before dropping the closely contested contest.

In doubles, the Gamecocks fell behind early, and were unable to recover. The No. 50 team of Paul Jubb and Connor Thomson stood strong however, leading the No. 3 duo in the country 4-3 before the Tar Heels took wins at the Nos. 1 and No.3 positions to take the doubles point.

In singles, the South Carolina stood valiantly, playing North Carolina tight. Junior Thomas Brown picked up the first point for the Gamecocks, taking down Mac Kiger in straight sets 6-4, 6-3. North Carolina claimed the No. 5 match, but the Gamecocks were not done in the fight.
 
After gutting out a close first set, No. 115 Thomson picked up another ranked win on the season, 7-5, 6-3, to tie the match at 2-2. At the top of the lineup, No. 50 Jubb claimed the second set from Will Blumberg, and No. 38 Daniel Rodrigues had done the same against Rinky Hijikata in the No.3 contest.
 
The Tar Heels withstood the rally, though, reclaiming momentum with early leads in both third sets as the No. 2 match was tilting in their favor as well and closed out the win just after North Carolina took the No. 1 match.
 
 
Doubles
Order of Finish (1,3*)

1. Will Blumberg/Brian Cernoch (NC) def. Daniel Rodrigues/Raphael Lambling (SC) 6-0
2. No. 50 Paul Jubb/Connor Thomson (SC) vs. No. 3 Simon Soendergaard/Mac Kiger (NC) 4-3 DNF
3. Rinky Hijikata/Benjamin Sigouin (NC) def. Phillip Jordan/Beau Pelletier (SC) 6-1

 
Singles
Order of Finish (6,5,4,1,2*)

1. Will Blumberg (NC) def. No. 50 Paul Jubb (SC) 6-2, 3-6, 6-3
2. No. 60 Ben Siguoin (NC) def. No. 39 Raphael Lambling (SC) 7-6 (4), 6-3
3. Rinky Hijikata (NC) vs. No. 38 Daniel Rodrigues (SC) 6-4, 2-6, 4-1 DNF
4. No. 115 Connor Thomson (SC) def. No. 80 Josh Peck (NC) 7-5, 6-3
5. Brian Cernoch (NC) def. Phillip Jordan (SC) 6-4, 6-0
6. Thomas Brown (SC) def. Mac Kiger (NC) 6-4, 6-2

 
Up Next for the Gamecocks
The Gamecocks will be back in action tomorrow when they take on Columbia at 4:30 p.m. ET.
 
For men’s tennis updates, continue to check back with GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team on social media (@GamecockMTennis).
 
 
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