Just a few days ago, No. 14 Blue Devils lost to their first nationally-ranked opponent of the season, falling 4-2 to No. 16 Illinois Monday. Duke has little time to recover from that loss as it faces VCU and No. 3 Tennessee (4-0) on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Although the Rams (6-1) have had an excellent start to the season, Duke holds a 29-3 lead in the all-time series and should easily take care of a team that includes No. 123 Max Wennakoski. The Volunteers will be a more difficult challenge, however, with three singles players ranked in the top 40, including national No. 1 Rhyne Williams. Tennessee is also fresh off a convincing 5-2 victory over the Illini last Saturday.
No. 5 Reid Carleton and reigning ACC Player of the Week No. 9 Henrique Cunha, the No. 12-ranked doubles team, will pace the Blue Devils (6-1) in both singles and doubles. No. 118 Chris Mangel is the only other ranked player for Duke.
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