LOS ANGELES, CALIF. — The University of New Mexico men’s tennis team started the 2017 ITA Kick-Off weekend today against No. 6 UCLA but were defeated 4-0.
“UCLA is a class act as a program. There are many positives to take away from today and build upon,” said head coach Ben Dunbar. “We have to get better in doubles quickly and I know the guys will respond tomorrow. However, on the singles court, our guys played with passion and we set ourselves up nicely in some places against the No. 6 team in the nation. Onto Boise State tomorrow, I know the guys are excited for another opportunity to get better!”
The Lobos fought hard and played some great tennis but it wasn’t enough to get past the Bruins.
In doubles play, Ricky Hernandez-Tong and Rodolfo Jauregui competed at the No. 1 position and were defeated by Martin Redlicki and Evan Zhu of UCLA 6-1. Soon after, Sean Baklini and Jorge Escutia, competing at the No. 3 position, were also defeated 6-1 by Gage Brymer and Logan Staggs of UCLA. The matchup between Bart Van Leijsen/Dominic West and Joseph Di Giulio/Austin Rapp was left unfinished, with the duo leading 3-4.
In singles play, the Lobos couldn’t grasp any wins from the Bruins and left three matches unfinished. Escutia, competing at the No. 5 position, defeated Staggs in the first set 7-5, but was defeated in the final two sets of the match 6-3 and 6-2, giving UCLA the final win. Van Leijsen, competing at the No. 1 position, battled No. 11 Gage Brymer of UCLA 6-7 (5-7), 6-2 but was unfinished. Jauregui also claimed one set against Zhu 6-4, 6-7 (2-7) but was also left unfinished. West claimed the second set against No. 90 Joseph Di Giulio 6-4 but was again left unfinished.
The Lobos are looking forward to tomorrow’s match against Boise State at 10 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. MT for the consolation at the Sunset Canyon Tennis Courts once again. Be sure to follow live updates on social media and live stats here.
Lobos fall at No. 6 UCLA
