The University of Virginia men’s tennis team advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals for the 19th time in the past 21 tournaments after a 4-1 victory over No. 13 seed South Carolina on May 9.
This achievement highlights the team’s continued presence among collegiate tennis’s elite programs, as they position themselves once again to compete for a national championship.
Head coach Andres Pedroso said every season brings new challenges, but he does not take success for granted. “This is the tournament where we play our best tennis every single year, and we’re looking forward to Athens. Again, this is what Virginia does. They show up to the Elite Eight and make a push.”
Virginia (25-4) will face either No. 5 seed Mississippi State or No. 12 seed Georgia in Athens, Georgia, aiming for their seventh program title and third under Pedroso’s leadership. The current lineup includes senior Måns Dahlberg, junior Dylan Dietrich, sophomores Keegan Rice, Jangjun Kim and Stiles Brockett, and freshman Andres Santamarta Roig.
Doubles play was an area of focus leading into Friday’s match after limited success earlier in postseason competition. Pedroso said: “We took a really close look at it last week, probably the closest look we’ve taken at our doubles… I’m proud of the guys for trusting the coaches and trusting the plan.” In singles matches against South Carolina (18-9), Rice was first to win his set before teammates followed suit; Brockett clinched an important point with his performance on court five.
Reflecting on his contribution this season compared to last year when he did not play in NCAA matches as a freshman, Brockett said: “Being able to play on this team is such a privilege… It’s amazing playing for these coaches.” Pedroso added praise: “He stepped up into a role that he needed to earn, and he’s earned it.”
Looking ahead after last year’s quarterfinal loss ended their season abruptly—an experience that left an impression on returning players—Rice said seeing departing seniors’ emotions “just makes me more hungry and motivated” this year.
A large crowd attended Friday’s match at Virginia Tennis Facility at Boar’s Head Resort—including university president Scott Beardsley—and players acknowledged strong community support throughout their home campaign.
