MIDLAND, Texas -

Utah State posted a perfect start at the Midland Invitational,as juniors Jack Swindells and Kai Wehnelt and sophomore Jonas Maier all posted a singles win, including a big upset for Maier.

"The guys came out with a great attitude today," said assistant coach Ben Mullis, who traveled with the team. "I could tell there were a few cobwebs to brush off with it being the first matches of the year, however our attitude towards finding our level was great. Jonas specifically came back from a set and a break down and actually saved two match points, displaying his fighting spirit and superb tennis towards the end of the match."

After a bye in singles in the round of 64 for all three of USU's competitors, Maier pulled off an upset as he topped Rice's Tommy Bennett, the No. 108-ranked player in the country, in a three-set thriller, 1-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4. Maier's win was USU's first singles win against a ranked player since Karan Salwan defeated New Mexico's No. 61 Samir Iftikhar in the spring of 2015. Then, junior transfer Kai Wehnelt won his first match as an Aggie, sweeping Abilene Christian's Nico Agritelley, 6-1, 6-2. Lastly, Swindells defeated UT-Arlington's Daniel Armengol in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, to round out USU's undefeated day.

Action continues for the Aggies tomorrow at the Midland Invitational in both singles and doubles.

Fans can follow USU's men's tennis team on Twitter @USUMensTennis, on Facebook at UtahStateMensTennis or on Instagram at USUTennis. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter at @USUAthletics, on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics or on Instagram at @USUAthletics.

RESULTSSinglesRound of 32Jonas Maier (USU) def. No. 108 Tommy Bennett (Rice) 1-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4Kai Wehnelt (USU) def. Nico Agritelley (ACU) 6-1, 6-2Jack Swindells (USU) def. Daniel Armengol (UTA) 7-5, 6-3