Las Cruces, NM. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Tennis team played in a three-day invitational this weekend at New Mexico State University, playing against NMSU, Northern Arizona University,  Lamar University and Arizona Christian. Many of the Mustangs defeated nationally ranked NCAA DI and NAIA competition.

"The men came down to the NMSU Invitational ready to go and ready to show everyone the improvements we have made," said Head Coach Alex Hunt. "The men played fearlessly all weekend long, and it was incredible to coach and witness."

Joaquin Delpino (Villa Maria, Argentina) and Yu-Jhe Du doubles team tandem highlighted the weekend with their play, upsetting a NCAA DI opponent from Northern Arizona in the first round of play 8-7 (5). 

Erik Dallman and Lorenzo Orellano would give WNMU a doubles win as they took out an Arizona Christian duo.

"All season long we've been implementing the practice of removing all doubt in ourselves so that when our moment to prove ourselves arrives, we are ready" said Hunt.

Joaquin Delpino (Villa Maria, Argentina) added to his DI upsets with a 6-3 6-4 straight sets win over a top player from Lamar University. Yu-Jhe Du also came up big with a straight sets 6-3 6-4 win over a NAIA nationally ranked Arizona Christian University opponent.

Rodrigo Mere (Coatepeque, Guatamala/Colegio El Bosque) and Jonathan Vega (Fort Worth, TX/North Crowley HS) had strong showings in their singles performances, splitting sets with their DI opponents and defeating their Arizona Christian foes. Mere fell just short against Northern Arizona, while Vega battled before being defeated 7-5 in the third set to the singles finalist from Lamar University. 

"I was already excited for what this group will accomplish, but now it's been multiplied by a lot. We are a strong unit and it showed all weekend. We are ready for the ITA here in a few weeks," concluded Hunt.

The Mustangs will play in the South Central Men's Regional ITA in Wichita Falls, TX, September 30th-October 2nd.

*** 

 Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter & Instagram).