EL PASO, Texas – The UTEP tennis team battled before falling to LA Tech, 4-0, in its Conference USA opener at the El Paso Tennis Club Saturday. The Miners (2-9, 0-1 CUSA) were shooting for their second win in as many days, but the Bulldogs (10-4, 2-0) won the doubles point and then claimed three matches in singles to clinch the match.
 
"We had chances today on several courts but just couldn't sustain the energy from yesterday's match," UTEP head coach Ivan Fernandez said "LA Tech is a very solid team and didn't give us too many opportunities. I still saw a lot of improvement this weekend, and I know that we will continue to get better. We have a clear vision for what we need to keep working on this week before we hit the road again for four spring break matches."
 
Carlotta Mencaglia and Hanna Telzynska downed Tiffani Nash and Valentina Vasquez, 6-3, at No. 2 doubles in a quality showing for the Orange and Blue. LA Tech secured victories in the other two matches in doubles to secure the team point. Veronika Lebisova and Zuzanna Szczepanska were bounced by Olga Bienzobas and Alexia Romero, 7-5, at No. 1 doubles. Elena Dibattista and DeCora Antoine fell by a final count of 6-1 against Zoie Epps and Ana Rodrigues at No. 3 doubles.
 
The Miners looked to rally in singles action, but it wasn't to be. Mencaglia came up short against Bienzobas, 6-1, 6-1, at No. 1 singles. Paloma Hennicaux went down swinging to Epps, 7-5, 6-1, at No. 5 singles while Emma Stuart was held off by Romero, 6-3, 6-3, at No. 6 singles.
 
The other matches went unfinished with the team outcome having been decided.
 
UTEP will look to bounce back when it plays at Lamar at 11 a.m. MT/12 p.m. CT on March 10.
 
Louisiana Tech vs UTEP
Mar 02, 2024 at El Paso, Texas
(El Paso Tennis Club)
Louisiana Tech 4, UTEP 0
 
Singles competition
1. Olga Bienzobas (TECH) def. Carlotta Mencaglia (UTEP) 6-1, 6-1
2. Veronika Lebisova (UTEP) vs. Ana Rodrigues (TECH) 6-1, 2-6, 1-2, unfinished
3. Elena Dibattista (UTEP) vs. Valentina Vasquez (TECH) 2-6, 5-5, unfinished
4. Zuzanna Szczepanska (UTEP) vs. Tiffani Nash (TECH) 6-2, 3-6, unfinished
5. Zoie Epps (TECH) def. Paloma Hennicaux (UTEP) 7-5, 6-1
6. Alexia Romero (TECH) def. Emma Stuart (UTEP) 6-3, 6-3
 
Doubles competition
1. Olga Bienzobas/Alexia Romero (TECH) def. Veronika Lebisova/Zuzanna Szczepanska (UTEP) 7-5
2. Carlotta Mencaglia/Hanna Telzynska (UTEP) def. Tiffani Nash/Valentina Vasquez (TECH) 6-3
3. Zoie Epps/Ana Rodrigues (TECH) def. Elena Dibattista/DeCora Antoine (UTEP) 6-1
Match Notes:
Louisiana Tech 10-4
UTEP 2-10
 
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