Lubbock, Texas—The University of New Mexico men’s tennis team opened the 2016 season with a 4-2 win against Pacific in the first of two matches on the day.
To win the doubles point, Jorge Escutia and Ricky Hernandez-Tong defeated Alex Giannini and Kumar Adavelly 6-1. Also getting a win for the Lobos was No. 8 Hayden Sabatka and Bart Van Leijsen who took on Sam Verbeck and Daniel Alameh, beating them 6-1.
With one point heading into singles play, the Lobos continued their momentum by winning the next two points. Augustus Ge took on Adavelly at number five singles and came out with a 6-4, 6-2 win. Close behind him, Van Leijsen at two singles defeated Diaz 6-3, 7-5.
In the number one singles match, Sabatka competed against Verbeck and fought a close match, but came up short 6-0, 7-5. Escutia followed and ended with the same fate, falling to Alameh 6-3, 7-5 at number three.
Clinching the point for the Lobos was Roldolfo Jauregui at number four who defeated Chamba 6-2, 6-4. With that point, Lobos won the match 4-2.
“It was a high quality match for the first match of the season and that’s exactly why we put this event together three years ago,” said head coach Bart Scott. “We wanted high quality matches right out of the gate and we most certainly got one this morning. Pacific is a good team and are very well coached. I know they will be ready when we play them again this weekend.”
When talking about his doubles team, Scott added, “Our doubles really set the tone. Jorge and Ricky played a great set and Hayden and Bart did just enough to edge ahead to give us that 1-0 lead.”
Scott added that they are looking forward to their match against Arizona which is set for today at 3 p.m.
Men’s Tennis Wins Season Opener 4-2
