Freshman Brett Ross' characteristic broad grin said it all as he walked off the court at the Wake Forest Indoor Tennis Center Feb. 9. Not only had the 22nd-ranked Deacs defeated No. 58 William & Mary 4-3 on Feb. 7, but they also shut out 50th-ranked Michigan 7-0 in the second of their dual matches this season.

On Feb. 7, the team's best doubles tandem, senior Trent Brendon and junior David Loewenthal, took the court and netted an 8-4 victory against their W&M opponents. Unfortunately, their success was not enough to win the doubles point, as the other two doubles pairs fell 8-6 and 8-4. Despite the fans' encouraging cheers and shouts of "Let's go, Money!" Mike "Money" Murray let the match fall to the other side of the net, losing 7-5, 7-6(5). Ross also let a point slide to the Tribe, dropping his match 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.

The Deacons rallied to win the remaining four out of six singles matches, however, finishing three in straight sets. Brendon upset his opponent 6-4, 6-2 in the No. 5 slot, sophomore Derrick Spice finished his match 7-6(5), 6-2, and, sporting a bright red bandana, 35th-ranked Loewenthal shellacked one Tribe member, 6-2, 6-2. Senior David Bere's opponent had him dodging all over the court, but he was able to clinch the Deacs' victory with a come-from-behind win: 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

After a close call with William & Mary, the Deacs returned on Feb. 9 and resolutely lobbed their way to a shutout 7-0 win against the Michigan Wolverines. The Deacs took an early 1-0 lead after winning the doubles point.

"Shutting out Michigan was a huge confidence booster for us, especially winning the doubles point," junior Andrew Simpson said. "We are an awesome singles team, and we feel that if we can win the doubles point we have a really good chance of coming out on top."

Murray and Simpson lost their second doubles match of the weekend 7-5, but Brendon and Loewenthal once again dominated the court and secured an 8-5 win in the No. 1 doubles spot. Spice and Ross teamed up in a nail-biter against the Wolverines, and after several frustrating rallies, the duo kept their momentum and finished with an 8-7 win.

"We are not where we want to be in doubles just yet," Head Coach Jeff Zinn said. "It has been a slow process but we are moving in the right direction." The Deacs certainly moved in the right direction in their singles matches against the Wolverines, winning four straight sets and two tiebreakers. Ranked at No. 109, Murray breezed through his match, winning 6-3, 6-2, while Spice won 7-6(4), 6-1.

Loewenthal not only improved his dual singles record to 4-0 with his 6-3, 6-4 victory, but he also earned the title of ACC Men's Tennis Player of the Week.

Michigan native David Bere "wanted to show some of his friends on the Michigan team that he is doing fine down here in North Carolina," Coach Zinn said. Bere played exceptionally all weekend, and Zinn was impressed with the way he "showed his leadership with both wins."

As the only true freshman on the team, Brett Ross has his work cut out for him, and he certainly proved his abilities with his 4-6, 6-4, 1-0(10-7) singles win.

"He is going to win a ton of matches for us this year," Zinn said. "He is progressing right where I thought he would and he will keep getting better this year."

Brendon also battled it out in a tiebreaker in his No. 5 singles match, but came out on top (6-3, 3-6, 1-0(10-6)) to complete the Wolverine whitewash.