COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The Western New Mexico men's tennis team opened their fall season of play at the Colorado College Invitational, with a full slate of matches.

"The first day of our fall season opener marked an important start to the weekend," said Head Coach, Jesus Baltazar. "Our team performed well, with several players advancing to the semifinals of the tournament. This strong showing highlighted both our current strengths and the areas we need to focus on as we prepare for tomorrow's matches."

Yannik Rogulski (Madunice, Slovakia/) had a strong performance for the Mustangs, as he cruised in his opening round with a 6-1, 6-1 win. In the second round, Rogulski was challenged but delivered, rallying to win 5-7, 6-4, 10-7 to get himself in the semifinals on Sunday.

Freshman David Guta (Bucharest, Romania/) earned a hard fought win after dropping the first set 2-6, but clawed back, taking the second set 7-5. In the deciding super tiebreak, he edging out his opponent 12-10 to advance to the semifinals. Also earning a trip to the seminals is Benjamin Vriends (Mierlo, Netherlands/) who as up 7-5, 1-0, but ultimately took the match with a b draw.

For Sophomore Mael Houee (Rennes, France/Tennis Club de Bruz), was edged out two straight sets (5-7, 5-7). He responded in round two with determination, rallying back after dropping the first set. Houee won  5-7, 6-4, 10-7. 

Freshman Djamel-Dine Bey (Paris, France/) dominated his first-round match with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory. In the second round, he fell short 2-6, 2-6. Christopher Lund-Kuhl (Vaerloese, Denmark/) fought hard before falling 4-6, 3-6.

In doubles, Bey and Lund-Kuhl won their first round with a commanding  6-3 victory but fell short in the second round 2-6. Houee and Guta had a dominating 6-1 win. As for Vriends and Rogulski, they fell in both of their double matches 4-6 and 2-6.

Sunday morning will wrap up the Colorado College Invitational.

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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 (X, TikTok & Instagram).