South Carolina women’s tennis earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the 31st consecutive year, according to an announcement on Apr. 27. The team will play against Maryland in the first round at the University of North Carolina.
The selection is significant as it marks the program’s continued presence at a national level, highlighting consistency and achievement within collegiate women’s tennis.
The tournament matches are scheduled for May 1 and May 2 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. No. 6 North Carolina will host South Carolina, Maryland, and Charleston Southern for both rounds. South Carolina and Maryland are set to compete on Friday at 1 p.m., followed by North Carolina facing Charleston Southern at 4 p.m.
The Gamecocks enter the tournament with a season record of 12 wins and 12 losses overall, including five conference victories out of fifteen games. The team has recorded four wins over ranked opponents this season, notably defeating then-No.15 Tennessee with a score of 4-1 while South Carolina was ranked No.33. The Gamecocks were eliminated from the Southeastern Conference Tournament after losing to Arkansas in the first round.
Head Coach Kevin Epley has led South Carolina to every NCAA appearance during his fourteen seasons with the program. This year represents the team’s thirty-fourth participation in NCAA history.
Currently, two singles players from South Carolina are nationally ranked: Kaitlyn Carnicella at No.37 and Helena Buchwald at No.42. In doubles competition, Buchwald pairs with Lauren Friedman; together they hold a ranking of No.13 after reaching as high as ninth during this season. Carnicella also received her second consecutive All-SEC Second Team honor.
The winner between South Carolina and Maryland will advance to play against either North Carolina or Charleston Southern on Saturday at 4 p.m.
