April 7, 1999

RALEIGH, N.C. - NC State rallied for a 5-4 win over No. 25 North Carolina in a close contest that came down to the final doubles match. A win by NC State's Nena Bonacic and Kristen Nicholls at No. 3 doubles clinched the match, giving the Pack its first ACC victory of the season.

The ending was fitting for Bonacic, a senior from Split, Croatia, who was playing in her final home match. The Pack tandem held a 7-5 advantage over North Carolina's Sarah Hawkins and Caroline Hill, but the Tar Heels rallied to close the lead to 7-6, then went ahead 40-15 in the final game. NC State rallied for the win however, led by Bonacic's strong serving.

Bonacic also led the Pack in singles, defeating No. 100 Jessica Zaganczyk, 6-4, 6-1. The match was tied at 3-3 following singles play. NC State also got wins from junior Francie Barragan and freshman Katrina Gildemeister. Barragan defeated UNC's Sarah Hawkins, 6-2, 6-0, at No. 3, while Gildemeister defeated Emi Shaffer , 6-1, 6-1.

NC State, ranked No. 68 nationally, improves to 11-6, 1-4 in the ACC, while North Carolina falls to 11-7, 2-4. The Pack returns to action on Saturday, facing Clemson in Charlotte, N.C., in a match that was previously postponed.