LOGAN, Utah – Utah State men's tennis is set to begin its dual match season with a pair of home matches on Sunday, as the Aggies host Weber State and Idaho State at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively, at the Sports Academy & Racquet Club.
"I think the guys are really excited to start competing on Sunday," said head coach James Wilson. "It's always a little nerve racking to begin the year, especially when you have five new players, but I know the guys have worked hard and will be prepared come Sunday."
USU competed in five events during the fall and was led by junior Duro Opacic with a 9-3 singles record. Freshman Isaac Arevalo Gómez had a 7-4 singles finish during the fall, freshman Rithvik Bollipalli finished 6-8, sophomore Felipe Acosta went 5-4, junior Sergio Bucur and freshman Mitch Johnson both were 5-5, freshman Daniel Bushamuka finished 3-3, and sophomore Jose Carvajal finished 2-3.
USU returns two letterwinners in sophomores Jose Carvajal and Felipe Acosta. Carvajal is tied for the No. 1 spot in USU's single-season record book in combined singles and doubles wins with 48, as well as total doubles wins with 24. Acosta earned Mountain West Player of the Week honors on March 14 after posting a 5-0 mark in singles and doubles play against then-No. 26 Old Dominion, George Washington and South Florida.
When it comes to the opponents this weekend, USU has won four straight against Weber State, however, the Wildcats lead the overall series 31-29. Idaho State is USU's longest-standing opponent after meeting 78 times, with Idaho State leading 44-34.
"This season will be very tough, partly due to our rigorous schedule and the fact that we will have three new players in our lineup", Wilson said. "I think our guys know everyone will need to step up and take ownership of their role. I look forward to getting off to a strong start this Sunday."
Last season, Weber State was led in singles by Michiel Van Schoor, who went 14-5 and Stefan Cooper, who went 11-7. In doubles, the Wildcats were led by Cooper and Kris Van Wyk, who went 8-6. Weber State finished the 2017-18 season with an overall record of 12-10 and an 8-3 mark in the Big Sky, finishing fourth.
For Idaho State, the Bengals were led in singles by David Felix, who finished 10-7, and Peter Trhac went 8-11. In doubles, Felix finished 13-5 to lead Idaho State, while Trhac went 12-5. ISU finished the season with an overall mark of 6-13, including a 3-8 ledger in the Big Sky.
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.
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