The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1190316
JANUARY 2020 ■ 71 BY MATT CARTER N C State's men's tennis program is on the upswing. It had its first top-25 finish (No. 23 in the final 2019 Oracle/ITA team rankings) since 2007 last sea- son. The Wolfpack also went 19-11 for its most wins since 2012, and it made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for just the fourth time in program history and the first time in five seasons. Leading the way was Alexis Galarneau, who concluded the season ranked No. 26 in singles for the highest national rating ever by a Wolfpacker. The good news for NC State men's tennis head coach Kyle Spencer is that Galarneau is back for his senior season. "Everybody sees the accolades," Spencer said. "What he does for our team is pro- vide leadership. He was named captain. He provides us leadership day to day, not only for the young players but all the players in general. "He's done some special things as a player for NC State, but also he's got a lot left for his senior season. I know he's super excited and working to make an impact and have the best season that he can have. I think he is primed for that." Galarneau went 16-9 a year ago during the spring duals portion of the schedule while playing exclusively at No. 1 singles, and he had seven wins over ranked op- Senior Alexis Galarneau is a three-time All-ACC selection and his No. 26 national finish in the ITA individual singles rankings last season is the highest ever for a Wolfpacker. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS MEN'S TENNIS PREVIEW TRENDING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Wolfpack Aims To Build Off Last Season's Successes ■ Key Matches • Vs. Texas, March 1 — The Longhorns were the second seed in last year's NCAA Tournament when it marched towards a national title, defeating Wake Forest 4-1 in the championship contest. • Vs. North Carolina, March 4 — The rival Tar Heels come to Raleigh as part of a big week for the program, three days after the Texas dual. UNC made it to the Final Four in men's tennis a year ago. • At Wake Forest, March 15 — The Demon Deacons won the ACC for the second time in three years and then made it all the way to the national title match before losing to Texas.