HONOLULU – Continuing in its string of top-notched competition, the No. 74 University of Hawai'i men's tennis team retakes the court on Wednesday, Mar. 7, versus No. 28 North Carolina on Wednesday, March 7, at the UH Tennis Complex. The Rainbow Warriors are currently 1-5 while the Tar Heels stand at 4-4.
Freshman
Chas Okamoto leads the team in wins at both singles and doubles. He holds a 3-3 record primarily at three singles and is 2-2 in three doubles. Against then-No. 20 Michigan, Okamoto pushed Shaun Bernstein to a third set but could not pull off the win, falling 5-7, 6-2, 6-2.
The Tar Heels will provide a stiff challenge with three players ranked in singles. The 'Bows will face No. 34 Jose Hernandez, No. 90 Brennan Boyajian, and No. 117 Esben Hess-Olesen in single action, and the No. 56 duo of Brennan Boyahian and Jose Hernandez.
Following the UNC match, the Rainbow Warriors will embark on a five-day, three-match road trip beginning in Los Angeles, Calif. on Mar. 10 against fourth-ranked UCLA. UH then plays Nevada in Santa Barbara, Calif. on Mar. 12 for their Western Athletic Conference opener, and closes the trip at Loyola Marymount (Mar. 14).
UCLA will arguably be the toughest test for the Rainbows this season. The Bruins boast four nationally ranked singles players in No. 33 Nick Meister, No. 81 Clay Thompson, No. 109 Adrien Puget, and No. 116 Marcos Giron. UH and UCLA played last March where the Bruins won 6-1 in Los Angeles.
Hawai'i and Nevada will meet for the first time since UH handily defeated the Wolf Pack, 6-1, last April. Nevada will feature 2011 All-WAC singles performer Wessim Derbel who leads his team with a 6-2 singles record. Derbel also boasts a 5-3 doubles record with partner Fernando Sunago.
This Week's Schedule:
Wednesday, Mar. 7 vs. No. 30 North Carolina, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 10 at No. 5 UCLA, 1:30 p.m. PT
Monday, Mar. 12 vs. Nevada @ Santa Barbara, Calif., 1:30 p.m. PT
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