NC State men's tennis, ranked 23rd, lost a closely contested match against 25th-ranked Stanford, marking their fourth conference defeat this season. Despite leading early with a win in doubles, the team couldn't maintain momentum and ultimately fell short, bringing their overall record to 16-5 and 8-4 in conference play. The match saw Darius Pop and Cody Benton shine, but their efforts weren't enough to clinch a victory in the decisive moments. This loss follows a tough stretch for NC State, as they have now lost three of their last four matches. The team is preparing for a final showdown against No. 3 Wake Forest on Friday.

By the Numbers
  • NC State's record now stands at 16-5 overall and 8-4 in conference matches.
  • Darius Pop saved two match points to push his match to a third set.
State of Play
  • NC State started strong with a doubles victory but faltered in singles play.
  • Cody Benton secured a quick win on court six, giving the team hope.
  • The match ended after a back-and-forth battle, culminating in a final match on court five.
What's Next

NC State will face a challenging match against No. 3 Wake Forest, which could significantly impact their postseason prospects. A strong performance could help regain momentum before the conference tournament.

Bottom Line

This loss underscores the need for NC State to regroup quickly and build consistency, particularly as they head into the final regular season match. The outcome against Wake Forest will be crucial for their confidence moving into the postseason.