Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Western New Mexico University Men's tennis team started the 2022 season playing a doubleheader exhibition against DI Northern Arizona University. NAU would take the exhibition matches 6-1 and  7-0.

"On every court at some point throughout the day, we had a lead against a good DI team who wins their conference," said Head Coach Alex Hunt. "We fell short when it mattered the most on some matches but we are learning and growing."

Match 1

In doubles, the Mustangs No. 1 doubles duo Joaquin Delpino (Villa Maria, Argentina) and Yu Jhe Du (New Taipei City/Taiwan/Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School) fell 6-1. Jonathan Vega (Fort Worth, TX/North Crowley HS) and Javier Romero (Estado de Mexico /Instituto Latino Canadiense, Interlaken, ETAC) played a tough match before falling 6-3. The Mustangs No. 3 duo team, Brendan Lock (Cheyenne, Wyoming) and Rodrigo Mere (Coatepeque, Guatamala/Colegio El Bosque) played well but just got edged out, 7-5.

In singles, the Mustangs No. 1 Jonathan Vega (Fort Worth, TX/North Crowley HS) won the first set (7-5) against Fucando Tumosa. Vega would go to three sets, before Tumosa would win the second and third sets (7-5, 10-7). The Mustangs newcomer Brendan Lock (Cheyenne, Wyoming) had a phenomenal match defeating his opponent in three sets (4-6, 6-4, and 10-7).  

"Brendan played extremely well and set himself apart,'' said Hunt. "It was a huge win and I am extremely proud of his play today."

Delpino and Romero both battled their opponents all match long. Delpino lost (6-1, 6-1) and Romero's results were (6-2, 6-2). Du played his first collegiate match and was held scoreless in his first set but bounced back until NAU's Alex Grove would find himself on top, winning (6-0, 6-3). Patricio Larrea (Ambato, Ecuador/Atenas high school ) played well but was defeated (7-5, 6-1).

Match 2

"We came out flat in doubles, but would regroup and have high energy similar to the first match," said Hunt. "This is the reason why we play these doubleheaders to prepare us for the season."

In doubles, partners Vega and Romero and Mere and Lock lost (6-3). Delpino and Du were overpowered, losing (6-1). 

In singles, Vega had another great outing splitting sets and forcing a third set before his opponent would win (6-1, 1-6, and 10-7). Mere had a similar outcome winning the first set (7-6 tb 5), losing the second set (6-3), and the third set (12-10).

Romero continued to make his opponent work but would end up on the losing end (6-2, 6-3). Lock and Larrea both went (6-1, 6-3). Du was held scoreless (6-0, 6-0).

"If we continue to play like this and improve, there is no telling what this team can do" concluded Hunt. "We are ready to get our season going and playing at home against NMMI next weekend."

The next time both men's and women's tennis will be back on the court will be February 6th, against New Mexico Military Institute.

This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!  

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 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).