RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men's tennis team will begin its 2024 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) campaign Thursday in the comfort of home courts. 
 
After two weeks of tough practices since their last match, the Vaqueros (8-12) are chomping at the bit to play the Grand Canyon Lopes (5-11) at 11 a.m. at the Orville Cox Tennis Center in the conference opener. 
 
UTRGV is 1-8 all-time against Grand Canyon (5-11) and will look to snap a seven-match losing skid to the Lopes. In last year's match in Phoenix, the Vaqueros took the doubles point with senior captain Emilien Burnel picking up a win at No. 1 doubles, but GCU came back to take the match, 5-2. 
 
Hosting the WAC opener is a big plus for the Vaqueros, who have been stellar at home this spring. UTRGV boasts a 5-1 record at home while the Lopes are 1-3 in true road matches this season, setting the Vaqueros in a prime position to get off to a good start in conference play. 

"We feel really good and we're excited to get GCU here. They're a well-coached team, super competitive and feisty guys so it should be a lot of fun and a really good match," head coach Nathan Robinson said. "We've not had them at home since I've been here and we think anytime anybody has to come to the Orville Cox Tennis Center, it's not an easy day for them. We have a great home-court advantage with our fans being here and the conditions we're used to and embrace. Our guys love it here, we're 5-1 at home, so we feel any team has a tough uphill battle from the get-go. They're a well-coached team, super competitive and feisty guys so it should be a lot of fun and a really good match." 

After a heavy front half of the schedule, the Vaqueros enjoyed slowing down and getting a chance to work on some small things ahead of the start of conference. They got healthy, did some extra strength & conditioning work, and sat back to break down what has worked and what needs work in terms of their individual games. They're in a great mindset and eager to begin taking on conference opponents. 

"We've bagged a couple of wins lately and it's been really nice. The guys are feeling really confident and we're practicing extremely well," freshman Ivo Isqueiro said. "Everyone is super happy with the level lately and focused on getting the conference championship. Against GCU, we want to show our level and hopefull get the win. It would be great if everyone can come out and support us. We'd love to have a good crowd." 

Support UTRGV Men's Tennis | Become a Fan on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Follow us on Instagram | Follow us on YouTube