Bermudian tennis star Trey Mallory’s is on cloud nine after playing a massive role in steering the University of North Carolina Wilmington to their fourth consecutive Coastal Athletic Association Conference title.

Mallory was part of a Seahawks side that recorded a 4-1 triumph over Elon at the McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Centre, in the final on Sunday and they are now heading to the National Collegiate Athletics Association Div I men's tennis championship next month.

“It feels great to win another Coastal Athletic Association Conference title,’’ Mallory said.

“It’s the first time in UNCW’s history to make it to the finals four times in a row, let alone win it four times in a row.

“At one point in the finals all but one of our singles players were down in their matches and had to fight back to pull off the victory.

“In some cases like that it comes down to the will to win and who wants it more. I’m glad the team won and now we can shift our focus to the NCAA tournament, and, hopefully, play our best tennis.”

Mait Dubois, the UNWC coach, highlighted the Bermudian’s contribution to the team’s success.

“Trey finished the championships going undefeated in singles and 2-1 in doubles,’’ Dubois said.

“Honestly, I didn’t feel anyone really challenged him throughout and he continued to put in very professional performances.

“I think it gives his team-mates a lot of confidence knowing that Trey is a lock in putting a point on the board for us.

“This is a very special group of upperclassmen and it is unheard of to go four years without a single conference loss in regular season or the tournament.

“Even if you are the best team, to put in that level of consistency over years is a true testament to the kind of character and commitment this group has.

“Trey has been a huge part of that and contributes a lot to our team culture of excellence.”

In the past, UNCW have found the going tough in the 64-team competition, but Dubois is looking for a change in fortunes.

“We have advanced one time to the round of 32 when we beat the No 17 team in the country in 2012,’’ the coach said.

“We will be entering the tournament on a ten-match winning streak and have proven our ability to knock off top programmes. I think our group is dangerous and poised to do something special in the tournament.”