MIDLAND, Texas – Erandi Martinez advanced to the semifinals of consolation play before bowing out to set the tone for the UTEP tennis team on its final day of action at the Midland Racquet Club Intercollegiate Invitational on Saturday.
"We had another tough day today," UTEP head coach
Ivan Fernandez said. "Erandi (Martinez) won, then lost in the semifinals of the consolation draw. Mafer (
Maria Aveiga) fought hard in her consolation quarterfinal match, falling in three sets. Mafer and Tuca (
Thássane Abrahim) lost in their main draw doubles match to a solid team from Lamar. Eve (Daniels) and Tuca played some exhibition singles matches, but also lost in three sets. We fought hard today, but just couldn't get going. We will head home tomorrow and get back to work. This is a great event, and it showed us how much work we have to do. I am confident we will get there in due time."
Martinez secured a spot in the semifinals of the back draw by advancing past Helena Jansen (TJC), 3-1, retired. Her run came to an end with a 6-2, 6-3, setback against Rishona Lewis (Texas State).
Aveiga had pushed Lewis to three sets before falling, 4-6, 6-3, 11-9.
In the main draw of doubles, UTEP's tandem of Abrahim and Aveiga was upended by Biana Vitale and Natalia Molina (Lamar), 8-2.
The Miners will return to the courts when they compete at the NM State Aggie Invitational from Sept. 20-22.
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