MIDLAND, Texas – Facing a pair of regional opponents, the #48 Western New Mexico University men’s tennis team posted a strong victory over #22 St. Edward’s and also added wins against Texas-Permian Basin and East Texas Baptist.
“This weekend was a great weekend for us. We had a tough start this season, but all the players have shown that this team is willing to work hard with character and personality to overcome any challenge and adversity,” Head Coach Yair Banuelos said. “Being able to overcome the previous week of 0-3 and a 1-2 deficit after doubles this week versus two really good teams shows the mental toughness and character of this team. There are things to improve still; however, I know that we are on the right track.”
The Mustangs opened the week against St. Edward’s coming away with a 5-4 win. In doubles, Alvaro Nunez (Madrid, Spain)/Pablo Santibanez (Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico/CETYS Universidad) picked up the only win in doubles posting an 8-5 win at No. 3. Juan Pablo Fuentes (Guadalajara, Mexico)/Omar Lopez (Naucalpan, Mexico) posted four games before a 4-8 loss. At the top flight, Jean-Laurent Pageault (Perrigny, France/Academi des Hauts de Nimes)/Tristan Da Lio (Casablanca/Academie des Hauts de Nimes) fell, 3-8.
In singles, Vladimir Gnilozubov (Kazakhstan, Astana/Kazakhstan) collected a 6-4, 6-1 win at No. 5. Santibanez added a 6-3, 6-4 win at No. 6. Da Lio came through with a tough three set win at No. 3 as he won the first set, 7-5, before dropping the second set, 3-6, before coming back with a 6-2 third set win. Pageault also had to go three sets with his win clinching the victory for the Mustangs. He fell in the first set, 4-6, but then rallied coming back with a 7-6, 6-3 win. Nunez at No. 4 nearly won a three set match as well taking the first set, 6-4, but then fell, 2-6, 1-6. Fuentes fell at the top flight, 4-6, 2-6.
WNMU then dominated the final two matches of the weekend. On Sunday against Texas-Permian Basin the Mustangs snagged a 9-0 victory. In doubles, Nunez/Santibanez had the easiest match of the group coming away with an 8-3 victory. Fuentes/Pageault at the top flight and Lopez/Da Lio at No. 2 each won by 8-6 scores.
In singles, everyone claimed a win in straight sets. Fuentes at No. 1 posted a 6-3, 6-1 victory. Pageault cruised to a 6-0 win in the first set and then won his match at No. 2 with a 6-4 second set win. Da Lio rolled to a 6-0 first set win at No. 3 and then was ahead 4-1 in the second before his opponent retired. Nunez grabbed a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 4. Gnilozubov grabbed a 6-3, 6-1 win at No. 5 and then Lopez completed the sweep with a 6-3, 6-4 win at No. 6.
To conclude the trip on Monday, WNMU defeated East Texas Baptist, 7-0, as the rest of the match was called off due to rain. In doubles, Fuentes/Pageault rolled to an 8-1 win at the top flight. Nunez/Santibanez at No. 3 claimed an 8-3 win and then Da Lio/Gnilozubov at No. 2 helped complete the doubles sweep with an 8-4 win at No. 2.
In singles, the No. 3-6 matches all went final to clinch when the match was called. All of the Mustangs won in straight sets, with each dropping only three games or less. Da Lio at No. 3 got things going with a 6-0, 6-2 win. Nunez at No. 4 added a 6-0, 6-1 win. Santibanez at No. 5 tallied a 6-1, 6-0 win and then at No. 6, Lopez posted a 6-1, 6-2 victory.
With the three victories, WNMU is now 5-5 on the season and are currently on a five match winning streak. They will return to action on March 12 when they head to California to play three matches beginning with Vanguard.
