RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men's tennis team will play its home-opener Wednesday at 12 p.m. against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) at the Orville I. Cox Tennis Center. 
 
The Vaqueros (1-4) are coming off a 1-2 weekend in which they saw a lot of progress, particularly in doubles. TAMUCC (4-1) lost to No. 19 Texas A&M 0-7 its last time out. 
 
"All in all, I thought it was a good weekend for us," coach Nathan Robinson said. "Obviously it's never great when you get one and lose two, but as far as the steps we're trying to take as a program, we're seeing those steps start to happen. Between our Rice match and our UTSA match, we're massively different." 
 
UTRGV quickly turned its attention to the rival Islanders and the upcoming South Texas Showdown presented by Navy Army Community Credit Union. The two programs last met on March 10, 2021, a match TAMUCC won 7-0. UTRGV is 2-27 in the head-to-head record. 
 
Robinson likes the growth and fighting mentality the Vaqueros have shown throughout the season and is continuing to emphasize finishing strong in close sets. He is eager to experience this rivalry for the first time and is expecting "some fireworks" as the teams battle.  
 
"Our guys were talking about it on the drive home. They're excited and ready to have that match. That's just something that's always circled on the calendar," Robinson said. "It's going to be my first time experiencing it, but I've been a part of other rivalries and from what I hear, it's hyped right up there. Definitely excited to get going with that and to see the guys go out there and compete." 
 
Junior Misha Kvantaliani is heading into the matchup with some momentum after an impressive weekend. He won two of three No. 1 doubles matches with junior George Hutchings – a duo Robinson has a lot of confidence in. Robinson said Kvantaliani "never got an easy match" and praised his efforts in going toe-to-toe against opponents' Nos. 1. 
 
Robinson hopes to have fan support as UTRGV chases its first home victory over the Islanders. 
 
"Come out and support us, make some noise. It's going to be a lot of fun. It's a good group of guys who just love to compete so hope to see you guys out there," Robinson said. 

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