May 9, 2000

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - University of North Carolina senior men's tennis player Tripp Phillips was named Tuesday at the Region II winner of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association John Van Nostrand Memorial Award. The aware is given to a senior tennis player based on the qualities of leadership and character. Phillips is now one of eight finalists for the national award which provides a stipend for the student-athlete to pursue a future career in professional tennis.

"I can think of no one who could deserve this award more," says UNC head coach Sam Paul. "Tripp has been a wonderful ambassador for college tennis as a player here and his devotion to his teammates and to the Carolina program has been exemplary."

Phillips was the flight runner-up at No. 1 singles in the ACC, finishing with a 7-1 mark during the regular season and a 3-0 mark in the conference tournament. Phillips is currently ranked No. 22 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's singles rankings. His overall record this season in singles was 20-5.

The Tar Heel men's tennis team is currently ranked No. 20 by the ITA. With a 17-5 record, North Carolina will play Ball State University this Saturday at 2 p.m. in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Knoxville, Tenn. If Carolina beats Ball State, the Heels will meet the winner of the Tennessee vs. Chattanooga first round match for the regional championship on Sunday at 1 p.m. Carolina's bid to the NCAA Tournament is its eighth in the past nine years.