UTEP’s Conference-USA opener against the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners at the El Paso Tennis Club resulted in a 4-3 overall loss. The Miners gave a strong effort, winning three of six singles matches. UTEP took losses in both doubles matches but won a third match by default due to a missing UTSA player. 

In the doubles matches junior Veronika Lebisova and senior Thassane Abrahim lost 6-4 against juniors Aleksandra Zlatarova and Alexandra Weir. Sophomore Carlotta Mencaglia and senior Eve Daniels lost 7-5 against freshman Fatima Gutierrez and junior Magda Tuells. 

Gallery • 2 Photos

Joel Molina

Senior Thassane Abrahim attempts to hit the ball during a match against UTSA.

The singles matches gave UTEP more of an edge over the competition. Abrahim won against Tuells (7-6, 3-6, 10-4), and junior Elena Dibattista won against junior Eve Beyebach (6-1, 7-5). However, Zlatarova defeated Lebisova (6-0, 2-6, 6-2), Weir defeated Sophomore Carlotta Mencaglia (6-3, 6-7, 7-5), and Gutierrez defeated sophomore Zuzanna Szczepanska (6-3, 6-2). Daniels took a singles default win. 

Although UTEP performed better in the singles matches, the early lead taken by UTSA in the two three-set doubles matches was enough to keep the Miners from a win.  

“Ele (Dibattista) and Tuca (Thassane Abrahim) were able to win today,” said Head Coach Ivan Fernandez. “I am really proud with how hard we played but UTSA was just a little stronger than us at the top.” 

UTEP will have the next two weeks to practice and prepare to turn their 1-4 season around. UTEP will face both Boise State and the College of Idaho Saturday Feb. 11 and Sunday Feb. 12. 

Nicholas Maes is contributor may be reached at  [email protected]