MIDLAND, Texas – Despite a long day of poor weather and rain delays, the University of New Mexico men’s tennis team went undefeated on the first day of the Racquet Club Invitational being held in Midland, Texas Sept. 12-14.
The day started early for the Lobos and finished late, but Rodolfo Jauregui, James Hignett, and Bart Van Leijsen were still able to deliver on the tennis court. All three Lobos picked up a two-set victory in the first round of the 32-draw No. 1 flight men’s singles bracket. Jauregui claimed a 6-3, 6-4 win over Abilene Christian’s Guillherme Gesser. Hignett, one of three seniors on the Lobo roster, defeated Michael Feucht from Lamar, 6-3, 6-4. To top it off, Van Leijsen recorded his first collegiate win with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Jacoby Lewis from the University of Texas.
“The guys did well today while playing in awkward conditions for tennis,” assistant coach Ben Dunbar said. “They stayed focused and played some good tennis. There is no doubt that our guys are capable of playing better tennis, but we learned a lot today and will come back tomorrow morning aiming to get a little better.”
The Lobos will compete in the round of 16 of the men’s No. 1 flight singles bracket tomorrow and they will also begin doubles competition.
“I look forward to watching the guys battle tomorrow and will keep Lobo nation updated with our progress,” Dunbar said. “Go Lobos!”
For updates throughout the weekend head to the UNM Men’s Tennis Facebook page or the UNM Men’s Tennis Twitter.
FULL RESULTS
Men’s Singles Flight No. 1:
Round of 32:
James Hignett (UNM) def. Michael Feucht (Lamar), 6-3, 6-4
Rodolfo Jauregui (UNM) def. Guillherme Gesser (ACU), 6-2, 6-4
Bart Van Leijsen (UNM) def. Jacoby Lewis (UT), 6-3, 6-4