The NC State men’s tennis team made a lot of noise – racket, if you will – in its visit to Florida State last week, as it competed in the ITF M15 Tallahassee Futures Tour. 

Senior Alexis Galarneau had quite the run in the tournament, winning in straight sets in the first and second rounds. The senior from Laval, Canada would then continue his excellent play, winning in the quarterfinals 6-4, 6-3. Unfortunately for Galarneau, he would retire in the next round and lose in the semifinals 6-4, 2-1. But it was a great showing for Galarneau regardless, and he’ll look to continue his winning ways in regular-season play. 

Also in Tallahassee was freshman Martin Rocens, and although he didn’t automatically qualify for the main singles draw like his teammate Galarneau, he worked his way into the main tournament with two wins in the qualifying round. Rocens’s win in extra sets to qualify for the main draw was the highlight of his tournament, outlasting his opponent 6-4, 1-6, 10-6. Once he was in the main draw, Rocens surprised yet again, winning his first round match in extra sets 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. Even after losing in the second round in straight sets, Rocens doesn’t have to hang his head low, as he reached heights freshmen rarely get to. 

This was the last tournament of the calendar year for NC State men’s tennis, but they’ll open up next year with a matchup against Elon on Jan. 11th at J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center in Raleigh.