IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa tennis team has earned an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament, it was announced Monday during the NCAA Selection Show. It is the Hawkeyes’ first NCAA Tournament appearance in 15 years.
“It means so much to get to the tournament,” said head coach Sasha Boros. “We’ve had some heart breakers being the first team out a couple times in the past five years which makes this even sweeter. This year was a really tough year. I’m proud of the team, they’ve worked hard, and this is a goal they set.”
Iowa will travel to the Athens Regional to compete as a No. 3 seed in a four-team pod that includes Georgia, Florida A&M and Georgia Tech. The Hawkeyes will face second-seeded Georgia Tech on Friday at 9 a.m. (CT) at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex, followed by a match between Georgia and Florida A&M at noon.
“Athens is an amazing facility, it’s probably one of the best venues in college tennis,” said Boros. “Georgia Tech is a great team, we’re going to get to work and get ready.”
The winning teams will then face off on Saturday at noon with a chance to advance to the Sweet 16.
“If we can get back to playing aggressive tennis and winning the doubles point, I think this team has a lot of potential. They have proven themselves against a lot of great teams,” said Boros. “It was great to see so many teams that were on our schedule make the tournament, that gives this team confidence to know that they belong in this tournament and can compete with the best teams in the nation.”
It is Iowa’s eighth NCAA Tournament appearance all-time (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010) and the first under head coach Sasha Boros. The Hawkeyes advanced to the Sweet 16 in their first appearance in 1999 and are 2-6 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.
“To play in May after Big Tens is incredible,” said junior Daianne Hayashida, a first-team All-Big Ten selection. “We want to keep playing all together. We can’t wait for Friday.”