GLENDALE, A.Z. – At Paseo Racquet Club, in sunny Phoenix, AZ, the Western New Mexico University men's tennis team was defeated 4-3 against Arizona Christian. 

"The men's team fought for every point out there," said Head Coach Jesus Baltazar. "Given the circumstances I believe everyone stepped up to the plate when it matter the most."

The Mustangs had a tough break against the Firestorm at No. 1 doubles. Patricio Larrea (Ambato, Ecuador/Atenas High School) had to be removed from the match due to injury. Larrea and partner Lachlan Rowing (Canberra, Australia/Finigan School of Distance Education) were ahead 3-0. At No. 2 doubles, Yu Jhe Du (New Taipei City/Taiwan/Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School) and Paul Claussen (Balingen, Germany/Gymnasium Balingen) fell 6-4. No. 3 doubles with Javier Romero (Tlalnepantla, Mexico/ETAC) and Lorenzo Orellano Buratti (Acassuso, Buenos Aires, Argentina/Anibal Mensi) had a solid 6-2 win.

"It just didn't go our way today, but definitely something we can build on for tomorrow's matches," said Baltazar. "I expect the men to go out there and get a good start in doubles and go from there."

Rowing moved up to the one spot in singles, winning 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3). Claussen finished his match on top, winning  6-3, 6-4. Orellano Buratti also had a great performance, winning 6-4, 6-4.

In a close match, Du was just edged out 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). Romero lost both of his sets 6-1, 6-4.

The Mustangs will look to get a pair of wins on Friday, playing Colorado Mesa at 11:15am and Ottawa (AZ) at 4:00pm.

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, TikTok & Instagram).