April 14, 1999

RALEIGH, N.C. - NC State's Roberto Bracone will play his final home match on Wednesday against North Carolina at the Wolfpack Tennis Complex at 2:30. The only senior on the Pack's roster this season, Bracone is 33-2 at home during his career.

Since coming to NC State in 1996, Bracone has become one of the most decorated players in program history. With a career record of 61-21, he is tied for seventh on the Pack's all-time wins list. He is a three-time all-conference selection. Last year, he became the first Wolfpack player to be named ACC Player of the Year. An economics major, he has also been named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll two times.

In addition to his awards, Bracone became the first Wolfpack player since Andy Andrews in 1980 to compete at the NCAA Championships in '98. More important, he has helped NC State develop into a team on the verge of earning its first NCAA Championships berth since 1978. The Pack is ranked No. 48 in the latest ITA national rankings, and 64 teams are invited to NCAAs.

Bracone began his career at NC State with five straight wins at home before losing to Duke's Rob Chess, 7-6, 7-6, in 1996. He won each of his next 18 home matches before losing to Bruce Li of Clemson, 7-6, 6-7, 7-6, in the final home match last year. Bracone is 11-0 this spring in home matches.