Silver City, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's and Women's tennis team hosted their first home match of the 2022 season playing a New Mexico Military Institute. It is the first time since 2017 the Mustangs opened up their season at home. The Mustang women would walk off the courts winning 6-1.

"It was great to start the season off with a home opener," said Head Coach Alex Hunt. "The crowd was amazing. Most of our players have never experienced anything like that."

The New Mexico Military Institute was put in a tough situation and WNMU added them to the schedule a little more than a week ago. Due to unforeseen circumstances, NMMI only has three women. 

"NMMI has three really solid women and they will go on to do some really good things after NMMI," said Coach Hunt.

The women performed well and were tested. In doubles there was only one match. Massiel Paredes (Lima, Peru/Pamer HS) and Julia Terrazas (Santa Cruz, Bolivia/Saint George HS) took on NMMI's Linda Eloundou and Manuella Eloundou. The Eloundou sisters would take the match 6-2. The Mustangs would take the doubles point due to NMMI's roster size.

In singles, the Mustangs No 1. Livia Leite (Cunha-SP, Brazil/Bernardino Querido,) faced Linda Eloundou and would end up winning the point with straight sets [6-4; 7-6(5)]. Kajsa Gedlitschka (Greensboro, NC/Grimsley HS) clinched the women's match after defeating her opponent (6-0; 6-3). Nicold Gonzalez (Bogota, Colombia) got her opponent on her heels in a great second set, but would fall (6-1; 7-5).

"Livia's win over a top girl in JuCo is huge," said Hunt. "It was really impressive to see how she handled herself."

"Nicold really pushed her opponent, even though the results didn't go her way. Kajsa took care of business. We have been working with her on focusing for long periods of time and she didn't deviate from her goals."

"We do know we have some areas we still have some things to work on. I appreciate NMMI coming down and I can't wait for next week." concluded Hunt

The next time men's and women's tennis will be back on the court will be February 10-12th, against Arizona Christian, Colorado Mesa, and Ottawa (AZ), all in Arizona.

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

*** 

 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).