LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Elena Dibattista rolled to a victory in straight sets, and a pair of UTEP doubles tandems picked up wins on the first day of action of the NM State Aggie Invite Friday. DeCora Antoine and Emma Stuart, in addition to Carlotta Mencaglia and Hanna Telzynska, took care of business in doubles.
 
"We got off to a good start by winning both doubles after starting 0-2 down on both courts," head coach Ivan Fernandez said. "We struggled more in the singles coming out with one win from senior Elena Dibattista. It was good to get some matches in today, and I know we will continue to improve with each match."
 
Mencaglia and Telzynska moved on in doubles, knocking off Abilene Christian's fourth-seeded pairing of Olivia Sears and Libby Blair, 9-7. Newcomers Antoine and Stuart took out Western New Mexico's Andreea Arnautu and Gabriella Bloomberg, 8-3, to also advance into the quarterfinals of the East Draw.
 
In singles action, Dibattista blasted Caini Wang (Western New Mexico), 6-0, 6-1. Mencaglia was edged by Maryjoe Crisologo (Abilene Christian), 6-4, 6-4 while Stuart was tripped up by Dora Kurdi (NM State), 6-3, 6-3. Telzynska fell to Blair, 6-1, 6-2, and Antoine was clipped by top-seed (Black Draw) Andrea Guerrero (Abilene Christian), 6-3, 6-1.
 
The Miners will continue play at the season-opening fall tournament on both Saturday and Sunday.
 
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