Box Score

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The University of Texas-Pan American Broncs men's tennis team picked up the first-ever Western Athletic Conference Tournament victory in UTPA history after upsetting the third-seeded Seattle University Redhawks 4-2 on Friday at the New Mexico State Tennis Center.
 
The opening round victory is the first conference victory for the Broncs since 2010 when they defeated Lamar University in the Southland Conference Tournament.
 
"I am thrilled for our seniors," Broncs head coach Brandon Stokes said. "This is the first conference tournament they have played in and they competed smart and hard to lead us. To get our first WAC tournament win in our first year is huge. I am so proud and happy for our boys. They represent UTPA with class, integrity and enthusiasm."
 
The Broncs started off doubles competition with a victory at the No. 2 position as the team of Alejandro Sanoja and Juan Cruz Soria beat Ian Clare and Zach Kosanke 8-3. The Redhawks answered back with victories at No. 1 and 3 positions to clinch the doubles point.
 
In singles, Sanoja got the Broncs back in it with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Jason Bediones at the No. 5 position. After the Redhawks picked up a point at No. 3 singles, Mauricio Fosado defeated Connor Leahy 6-2, 6-1 at No. 6 singles.
 
Ricardo Hopker then beat Riley Newman 6-4, 6-1 at No. 4 singles and Chetan Panditi followed with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Kosanke at the No. 2 spot to clinch the match for the Broncs.
 
"We won the first set on five-of-six courts after losing the doubles points," Stokes said. "That wave of energy was powerful. It took on a life of its own and the boys rode that wave to clinch the match for themselves and UTPA."
 
The Broncs are back at it on Saturday when they face second-seeded Idaho at 8:30 a.m. for a chance to play in the championship match on Sunday.
 
Complete Results:
Doubles (2,3,1)
1. Kevin Lynch/Jason Bediones (SU) def. Ricardo Hopker/Chetan Panditi (UTPA) 8-5
2. Alejandro Sanoja/Juan Cruz Soria (UTPA) def. Ian Clare/Zach Kosanke (SU) 8-3
3. Riley Newman/Connor Leahy (SU) def. Sebastien Job/Mauricio Fosado (UTPA) 8-7
 
Singles (5,3,6,4,2)           
1. Juan Cruz Soria (UTPA) vs. Kevin Lynch (SU) 6-2, 6-5 unfinished
2. Chetan Panditi (UTPA) def. Zach Kosanke (SU) 6-3, 6-2
3. Ian Clare (SU) def. Sebastien Job (UTPA) 6-4, 6-1
4. Ricardo Hopker (UTPA) def. Riley Newman (SU) 6-4, 6-1
5. Alejandro Sanoja (UTPA) def. Jason Bediones (SU) 6-1, 6-1
6. Mauricio Fosado (UTPA) def. Connor Leahy (SU) 6-2, 6-1

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