In the last regular season matchup of the season, the Lobos of the University of New Mexico (15-10, MW: 4-3) have swept the Falcons of the Air Force Academy (11-14, MW: 1-6), 4-0. Prior to this matchup, three Lobo Seniors, Bart Van Leijsen, Jorge Escutia, and Sean Baklini were honored for their contributions to the program over the past four and five years.
In double’s play, the third flight duo of Ricky Hernandez-Tong and Stepan Holis took down Air Force’s Paul Hendrix and Jamie Bautista by a score of 6-1. This was followed by yet another win by first flight Van Leijsen and Escutia over Isaac Perez and Patrick Sklenka, also with a score of 6-1, to win the double’s point for the Lobos.
In single’s play, first flight Hernandez-Tong was able to bag the first win for the Lobos, defeating Air Force’s Sklenka in two-straight sets, 6-1, 6-4. This was followed by yet another two-set victory by Van Leijsen, who took down Luke Sanderson of the Falcons by a score of 6-2, 6-2.
It was fifth flight Holis who was able to clinch the match for the Lobos, following an exciting tiebreaker in set one which led to an impressive 6-3 victory in the second set over Air Force’s Sean McKendree. This finished the matchup, with the Lobos sweeping Air Force and leaving the matchups of Escutia, Baklini, and Dominic West unfinished.
“Today was about honoring three great Lobos,” Head Coach Ben Dunbar said. “They are all special in their own way and I’m going to miss them next year. For now, however, let’s get them another ring! We are going to San Diego on Wednesday and today sets us up perfectly to go out there with confidence that we can beat anyone. Thanks to all the fans who came out today. You were amazing and the guys appreciated it. Go Lobos!”
The next stop for the Lobos is the Mountain West Championship Tournament in San Diego, California, where the Lobos will face off against Mountain West foes one more time in hopes of taking home the title. The tournament will begin April 26, with times and opponents to be announced shortly.