LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Freshman Ailyn Castañeda posted a win in straight sets to highlight the action for the UTEP tennis team in its opening day of competition at the NM State Aggie Fall Invite on Friday.
Vanessa Valdez and Lina Sáchica also picked up a victory in doubles play.
Castañeda's triumph came in the Grey Draw, as she dispatched Nelia Williams (UTPB), 6-4, 6-4.
"Vane (
Vanessa Valdez) and Lina (Sáchica) played some solid doubles against the top team from ACU," UTEP head coach
Ivan Fernandez said. "We had chances in that set, but just couldn't take advantage of them. We played solid in the second doubles match and got the win. In singles, we are really proud of Ailyn (Castañeda) for getting her first career singles win. Ana (Gonzalez) and Lina fought hard in the singles, but both fell in three sets. We look to keep improving with every day of competition."
Sáchica pushed Kaela DiGiulio (NMSU) to three sets before falling, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.
Ana Gonzalez also dropped a three-sat battle, coming up shy to Julia Terrazas (WNMU), 6-4, 0-6, 6-4.
In doubles action Valdez and Sáchica were bounced by Anna Hosking and Allison Stewart (TCU), 6-4, in the main draw. The Miners' tandem found redemption in the back draw with a resounding 6-1 win against Lisa Guitton and Krystal Smith (UTPB).
UTEP will continue competition at the event throughout the weekend.
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@UTEPWTennis (Twitter),
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UTEPMiners.com.
