CHAPEL HILL, NC – The dynamic doubles duo of Noah Hernandez and Lukas Phimvongsa brought their ITA Sectionals campaign to a close this weekend, showcasing their talent and teamwork during an intense series of matches hosted by the esteemed University of North Carolina.
As a unified team, the Bears concluded their fall semester schedule, reflecting on a season that laid the groundwork for future competitions.
In their first match on Thursday, November 7, Hernandez and Phimvongsa faced a formidable challenge against the North Carolina pairing of Anthony Wright and Vladislav Melnic. The Bears struggled to find their rhythm and ultimately succumbed to their opponents with a score of 1-6, 3-6.
The duo faced yet another test in their second match of the weekend, this time against Clemson’s Maxwell Smith and Noa Vukedin. While they fought valiantly, they were narrowly defeated, finishing with a scoreline of 1-6, 6-7 (7-4).
RESULTS
Doubles
Wright & Melnic (North Carolina) def. Hernandez & Phimvongsa – 1-6, 3-6
Smith & Vukedin (Clemson) def. Hernandez & Phimvongsa – 1-6, 6-7 (7-4)
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**Interview with Noah Hernandez and Lukas Phimvongsa after ITA Sectionals**
**Editor:** Thank you both for joining me today to reflect on your recent matches at the ITA Sectionals in Chapel Hill. It sounds like it was quite an intense weekend for you. How are you feeling about the results?
**Noah Hernandez:** Thanks for having us! We’re definitely feeling a mix of emotions. While we didn’t achieve the results we were hoping for, we learned a lot about our teamwork and the areas we need to improve.
**Lukas Phimvongsa:** Exactly. Each match was a great opportunity to face some tough competition, and even though the scores didn’t go our way, we found moments where we really connected on the court.
**Editor:** In your first match against the North Carolina pair, you faced a strong challenge. What do you think made the difference in that match?
**Lukas Phimvongsa:** They were very well-coordinated and took control early on. We struggled to find our rhythm and match their intensity. It was a tough start, but it highlighted some strategies we need to work on.
**Noah Hernandez:** Yes, and it reminded us how important it is to stay composed and adjust during the match. We were a bit caught off guard by their energy and tactics.
**Editor:** Moving on to your second match against Clemson, you put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short. Can you share what you learned from that experience?
**Lukas Phimvongsa:** That match was much closer, and it felt like we were really in it. We made some good adjustments, especially in the second set. It showed us how to stay competitive even when the odds are against us.
**Noah Hernandez:** We definitely gained a lot of confidence from that match. We had our chances, and while it’s disappointing not to close it out, we know we can compete at that level. It’s all about building on it for the future.
**Editor:** As you wrap up your fall semester schedule, what are your primary takeaways and goals moving forward?
**Noah Hernandez:** I think our biggest takeaway is the importance of communication on the court. As we look to the spring, we want to develop our chemistry even further and implement what we’ve learned in these matches.
**Lukas Phimvongsa:** Agreed. We’re both eager to hit the practice courts and refine our skills. Our ultimate goal is to come back even stronger in the next competitions, and we believe we can achieve that by learning from every experience.
**Editor:** Thank you both for your insightful reflections. Best of luck as you continue your training and prepare for the spring season!
**Noah Hernandez & Lukas Phimvongsa:** Thank you! We appreciate your support!