MIDLAND, Texas – Represented by four players in both singles and doubles action, Utah State men's tennis opened its fall season at the Midland Invitational Friday. 

"I'm really happy with the way the guys competed today," said first-year USU coach Aaron Paajanen, "There are a few things we need to improve on, but based on the character the guys showed today, I'm confident we will keep getting better."

Starting the day in the singles portion of the bracket, Aggie junior Felipe Acosta topped New Mexico's Alexander Maggs in straight sets, (6-2, 6-3). Acosta then fell to Reed Collier from Texas Tech, 6-3, 7-5, in the second round. Three other USU players dropped their first-round matches, but freshman Javier Ruiz is still alive in the consolation bracket, as he defeated Texas Tech's Jackson Cobb (6-7, 6-3, 11-9). 

In doubles play, Acosta and Ruiz took an 8-2 decision over UT Arlington's Angel Diaz and Alejandro Hayen. Aggie sophomore Daniel Bushamuka and freshman Arvid Hjalte fell to Jonathan Sheehy and Nikolas Mocean from Abilene Christian, 8-4. 

Play in Midland will continue on Saturday, with Acosta playing in the singles consolation bracket. Acosta and Ruiz will advance to the second round of doubles action, while Bushamuka and Hjalte will play in the consolation round. 

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 @USU Athletics.


RESULTS
Singles
First Round
Felipe Acosta (USU) def. Alexander Maggs (UNM) 6-2, 6-3
Franco Ribero (TTU) def. Daniel Bushamuka (USU) 6-3, 6-2
Pierce Rollins (TAMU) def. Javier Ruiz (USU) 7-5, 6-1
Juri Reckow (UTSA) def. Arvid Hjalte (USU) 6-4, 6-4

Second Round
Reed Collier (TTU) def. Felipe Acosta (USU) 6-3, 7-5

Consolation Round
Javier Ruiz (USU) def. Jackson Cobb (TTU) 6-7, 6-3, 11-9
Eduardo Roldan (TCU) def. Daniel Bushamuka (USU) 6-3, 6-0
Max Kurzban (TCU) def. Arvid Hjalte (USU) 6-1, 7-6

Doubles
First Round
Felipe Acosta/Javier Ruiz (USU) def. Angel Diaz/Alejandro Hayen (UTA) 8-2
Jonathan Sheehy/Nikolas Mocean (ACU) def. Daniel Bushamuka/Arvid Hjalte 8-4