PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Western New Mexico University tennis teams closed their opening weekend in Phoenix with the men posting a 6-3 win over Arizona Christian University, while the women fell to the No. 10 ranked Firestorm 6-3 Friday.

On the men's side, the Mustangs (2-1) started strong claiming all three doubles. Junior Sascha Brechtel (Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany/Kurpfalz Gymnasium Mannheim ) and freshman Blayze O'Keefe (Las Vegas, NV) cruised to the 8-1 win at No. 2. Sophomore Vladimir Gnilozubov (Kazakhstan, Astana/Kazakhstan) and sophomore Tristan Da Lio (Casablanca/Academie des Hauts de Nimes) won a tough 8-6 match at the top flight. Freshmen Pablo Santibanez (Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico/CETYS Universidad) and Liam Fraboulet (Lycee Kerraoul, Paimpol, France) also collected an 8-6 win at No. 3.

In singles action, WNMU posted wins at No. 2, 3 and 6. Fraboulet had the easiest time of the group at No. 6 as he completely shut down his opponent in grabbing the 6-0, 6-0 victory. Gnilozubov at No. 2 and Da Lio at No. 3 had to battle three sets to pick up their victories. Gnilozubov won the first set, 6-4, but then dropped the second, 4-6. He then won a tiebreaker in the third set, 7-6 (7-5). Da Lio did the reverse as he dropped the first set, 2-6. He then came back with a tough 7-6 (8-6) tiebreaking win in the second set to setup his 6-4 win in the third set. Brechtel went three sets in his match at the top flight and even after winning the first set, 7-5, he wasn't able to grab either of the next two sets falling, 4-6, 4-6. Santibanez at No. 5 fell in the first set, 4-6 and then rallied for a 7-5 second set win before retiring in the third set ahead 3-0. O'Keefe at No. 4 closed the singles action as he collected seven games before falling, 3-6, 4-6.

On the women's side, the Lady Mustangs (0-3) faced the No. 10 ranked team in NAIA in the Firestorm. WNMU had the start they wanted taking a 2-1 lead after doubles. Junior Annely Heinze (San Luis Potosi, Mexico/Techologico de Monterrey) and senior Diamond Morrill (Carlsbad, NM/Carlsbad) posted a dominating 8-3 win at No. 3. Senior Ashley Newell (Las Vegas, NV/Silverado) and junior Gemma Goodland (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia/Maribyrnong College Sports Academy) added an 8-5 victory at the top flight. Senior Claudia Osuna (Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico/Tec Milenio ) and sophomore Tiffany Newell (Las Vegas, NV/Silverado ) wrapped up doubles play as they weren't able to come back, falling 3-8 at No. 2.

In singles Heinze came away with the only point at No. 5. She had no troubles posting the 6-3, 6-1 victory. Osuna grabbed six games at No. 3 falling by scores of 3-6, 3-6. Tiffany Newell (Las Vegas, NV/Silverado ) won five games at No. 2 before a 2-6, 3-6 setback. Goodland also claimed five games at No. 4 before a 1-6, 4-6 loss. Morrill at No. 6 lost, 2-6, 1-6 and Ashley Newell (Las Vegas, NV/Silverado) at No. 1 was defeated, 2-6, 0-6.

The Lady Mustangs will turn around to host Eastern Arizona College this coming Wednesday at noon. The men will have off until Feb. 21 when they will play at Division I Northern Arizona.