The Terrapins men’s tennis team will host its final two home matches this weekend. With the athletic department’s impending cuts coming at the end of this season, they might be the team’s final home matches ever.

After beating N.C. State on Saturday, the Terps will host Duke on Friday and North Carolina on Sunday.

While the team is staying focused on the task at hand – beating their Carolina rivals – the magnitude of these matches should be noted, regardless of the outcome. It’s the players’ final chance to leave a lasting and unforgettable mark on College Park.

“The team has done a good job on focusing on what’s important,” coach Kyle Spencer said. “I think they’ve been able to handle the thought: Yeah, this could be the last couple of matches for us.”

The No. 70 Terps (6-13, 3-6 ACC) did themselves a huge favor in beating then-No. 36 N.C. State, 4-3, at home on Saturday. That victory, coupled with two wins over quality opponents this weekend, could nudge the Terps closer to tournament consideration.

Ultimately, the two matches will likely make or break the team’s season.

The No. 5 Blue Devils (18-4, 7-2) come into College Park after suffering a three-set loss to rival North Carolina on Wednesday, ending a stretch where they won eight of their past nine contests. There only other loss came to No. 3 Virginia at home.

Between the Terps and Duke, the Blue Devils have won 47 of 63 matches all-time. The Terps haven’t won a match in the series since 1987.

No. 18 North Carolina (12-5, 9-1) will also present a challenge for the Terps. The Tar Heels have lost just once in their past 10 matches.

The matches might be the Terps’ last-ever appearance on their home court. Spencer is hoping that’s cause for students to come out to the Cole Fieldhouse Tennis Courts and support the team.

“We have the advantage of playing at home,” Spencer said. “We’ve got to play well. We’ve got to leave it on the court.”

TERPS NOTE: The Terrapins women’s tennis team (7-12, 1-8 ACC) will also be in action this weekend, traveling south for road matches with No. 3 Duke (20-2, 9-0) and No. 5 Tar Heels (18-5, 8-1).

walker@umdbk.com