UNC Women’s Tennis Gears Up for Top-10 Showdown with NC State
The rivalry is real-and it’s about to get another chapter.
No. 3 North Carolina women’s tennis is heading just down the road to Cary Tennis Park this Friday night for a primetime clash with No.
9 NC State. It’s a top-10 matchup with plenty of recent history and even more on the line, as two of the nation’s premier programs square off in a non-conference battle that feels anything but casual.
A Familiar Foe
This isn’t just another early-season test. These two teams know each other well-and UNC has had the upper hand lately. The Tar Heels swept all three meetings with the Wolfpack last season, including a regular-season win, a victory in the ACC Tournament semifinals, and a clutch performance in the NCAA Super Regional.
But don’t let last year’s record fool you. NC State brings serious firepower, including the reigning NCAA Doubles National Champions. And with both squads loaded with ranked talent, this one has the feel of a postseason preview.
Brantmeier and Kajuru Setting the Tone
Carolina’s early-season success has been anchored by the steady hands-and big-time rackets-of Reese Brantmeier and Oby Kajuru.
Brantmeier, the reigning NCAA Singles Champion and current No. 1 in the ITA singles rankings, is off to a 3-0 start in singles this spring. She was just named ACC Player of the Week after notching two more ranked wins last week. Her ability to control tempo and dictate points from the baseline continues to set the tone for this team.
Right behind her in the lineup is Kajuru, who’s also turning heads. Ranked No. 23 nationally, the graduate standout earned her own ACC Player of the Week honors earlier this month after a statement win over No.
5 Savannah Dada-Mascoll of App State. That was UNC’s first ranked singles win of the year-and it came at just the right time.
Together, Brantmeier and Kajuru have combined for a perfect 5-0 singles record at the top two spots this season. That kind of consistency at the top of the lineup is a luxury most programs would dream of.
Doubles Dominance
Doubles play has been just as sharp for the Tar Heels, led by the pairing of Brantmeier and Alanis Hamilton. The duo is 4-0 this season with two ranked wins already under their belts, including victories over Virginia and Charlotte. That performance earned them ACC Doubles Team of the Week honors and reaffirmed their standing as one of the most dangerous tandems in the country.
But they’re not the only ones making noise. Four UNC doubles teams are currently ranked, including Kajuru and Abbey Maltby at No. 3 nationally. With depth like that, Carolina has the flexibility to mix and match-and the firepower to compete with anyone.
Depth and Experience
It’s not just the stars carrying the load. Freshman Anna Frey has stepped into the collegiate spotlight with confidence, opening her career 5-0 in singles and 2-0 in doubles with partner Tatum Evans. That kind of immediate impact adds a new layer of depth to an already loaded roster.
Speaking of Evans, she’s one of five Tar Heels currently ranked in singles, joining Brantmeier (1), Kajuru (23), Evans (35), Carson Tanguilig Rabman (51), and Hamilton (69). That’s a top-to-bottom lineup that brings both experience and versatility.
Kalbas Hits 800
And then there’s head coach Brian Kalbas, who recently hit a milestone that speaks for itself: 800 career wins. He’s now the winningest active coach in NCAA tennis and just the third ever to reach that mark. It’s a testament to the culture he’s built in Chapel Hill-one rooted in consistency, development, and championship-level expectations.
What’s at Stake
While Friday’s matchup won’t count in the ACC standings, don’t mistake it for a warm-up. These are two national contenders with something to prove-and plenty of pride on the line.
For UNC, it’s a chance to extend their dominance in the rivalry and reinforce their No. 3 national ranking. For NC State, it’s an opportunity to flip the script and make a statement against a team that’s had their number.
Either way, expect high-level tennis, elite individual matchups, and a playoff-like atmosphere under the lights in Cary.
This one’s got all the ingredients of a classic.