May 8, 2002

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Senior Marcio Petrone of the University of North Carolina men's tennis team was named Wednesday as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Region II Senior Player of the Year.

The captain of the 2001-02 Tar Heels, Petrone was the named the Most Valuable Player of the 2002 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament when he led the Tar Heels to their first league crown since 1992. He has been named to the All-ACC Team each of the past two seasons as well.

"It's a tremendous honor for Marcio," says UNC head coach Sam Paul. "I'm very proud of him. It is an honor for him to be in the same group with past UNC recipients of this award like Bryan Jones, Roland Thornqvist and David Caldwell."

Petrone will captain the Tar Heels into NCAA Tournament play this Saturday when UNC faces Virginia Tech in the first round of the 2002 Championships at Knoxville, Tenn.

Marcio has had one of the best senior campaigns in school history. He played number one singles the last two years, compiling a record of 19-4 in 2002. This is the best record a UNC #1 singles player has had in 15 years. Marcio more than doubled his victory output at #1 sinlges from his junior to his senior seasons.

He won the Athletic Director's Scholar Athlete Award which is based on academics, character, leadership and sportsmanship.

He led UNC to the ACC Championship and was named tournament MVP. In the finals he defeated #18 Roger Anderson of Georgia Tech 6-2, 6-1. He also led the team to victory over #15 VCU by winning in singles and doubles. Marcio compiled a 6-2 record playing #1 doubles with Greg Archer this spring. He also was responsible for the clinching point in six dual matches this spring.

Following are some of the career highlights for Petrone:

*Athletic Director's Scholar Athlete Award 2002

*Was responsible for the match clinching point in six matches this spring.

*Clinched last year's 4-3 victory at VCU, defeating Florian Marquardt.

*Led Carolina to its most overall wins (19) since 1996

*Led Carolina to its most ACC wins (10) since 1992.

*2000 ACC #4 Singles Champion

*Overall Singles 2001-02: 25-7 (19-4 at #1 singles)

*Overall Doubles Record 2001-02: 18-8

*Defeated 6 nationally ranked opponents. Defeated Region players: Jurd (FSU), Chesworth (Furman), Rose (USC), Anderson (Ga. Tech-twice), Nieto(VCU), Lowenthal (WFU), Luscan (FSU)

*Career ACC singles record: 28-10