UTA men’s tennis takes down Abilene Christian University
UTA men’s tennis (10-9) took down Abilene Christian University (11-9), 4-3 in a tightly-contested battle at the UTA Tennis Center. The team celebrated seniors Pedro Sasso and Daniel Pérez-Caraballo, embracing them with self-portraits and team pictures prior to the first serve. The Mavericks dominated in doubles, winning two matches, including a victory in straight sets, 6-0, by freshman Ian Uraga and sophomore Yazid Lahjomri. Pérez-Caraballo and freshman Federico Garbero secured the point for UTA, winning their match 6-3. “We came out hungry and we were able to put that point on the board,” head coach Diego Benitez said. “That’s huge. When you have that extra point on you, that’s huge.” Sophomores Andres Medus and Meethre Barot kicked off singles with wins in straight sets, putting the Mavericks up 3-0. Freshman Mattia Ricci clinched the victory for UTA, but the remaining matches carried on. Despite his loss, Pérez-Caraballo competed hard, taking his opponent the distance. He split the first two sets 4-6 and 6-4, before losing 6-1 in the final. Pérez-Caraballo reflected on his time at UTA and how much the program has meant to him. “Senior day means a lot, just because it’s the last chance that you have to play at home,” he said. “UTA has given me a lot. I’m thankful to be here.” Benitez said he saw what the team has been working on in practice come to fruition in their victory. With the Western Athletic Conference Tournament approaching, the Mavericks will continue to prepare by using the time to improve conditioning and footwork, he said. Sasso, who’s looking to help UTA win their third-straight WAC championship despite the heightened pressure, said he wants to enjoy his last matches with the team. “I always had this mentality that, ‘what matters in the end is the team,’” he said. The WAC Tournament will take place April 17 through 19 at the Arlington Tennis Center. @tdreevess sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
