CLEMSON, S.C. – In a match that came down to the wire, Michael Shepheard was the Hokies' hero with a three-set victory on Court 4 to clinch Virginia Tech's first ACC win of the season. His win provided Tech a 4-3 triumph over Clemson on Friday afternoon.
The day started strong with Virginia Tech getting the doubles point. Scott Sculley and Alvaro Saez-Royuela Ariza picked up a win on Court 2 before Jordan Chrysostom and Ryan Fishback downed the No. 39 duo of Teodor Giusca and Ryuhei Azuma on Court 1.
In singles, Ariza carried his strong doubles performance into singles and decidedly won on Court 2 – 6-2, 6-2. Clemson then picked up wins on Court 1 and Court 3.
Alberto Orso fought back from an unfortunate 1-6 first set to win in three sets – 1-6, 6-0, 6-2 – putting Tech in prime position for the win with the scored tied 3-3.
Shepheard, who was involved in three lengthy sets, battled throughout the third set to finally earn a break. He took that advantage and ran with it, locking up the 6-7, 7-6, 7-5 victory for the Hokies.
Virginia Tech will return to play on Sunday against No. 54 Georgia Tech at 10 a.m. in Atlanta, Ga.