Texas Tech University Athletics
Men's Tennis Kicks Off Spring Schedule in Tulsa
January 10, 2019 | Men's Tennis
The Red Raiders begin their dual match season with a doubleheader on Friday
TULSA, Okla. – The Texas Tech men's tennis team begins spring play with a pair of matches against Bryant University and the University of Tulsa Friday in Tulsa, Okla.
Tech's year will commence with two dual matches on Friday against Bryant University at 12:30 p.m. and the University of Tulsa at 6:00 p.m. before returning home for the first time since the 2018 spring slate to square off with Lamar University and the University of New Mexico on Sunday, Jan. 20.
The Red Raiders, who were recently listed as receiving votes in the latest ITA rankings, are set to begin their fourth spring campaign under head coach Brett Masi, who has led the program to a Big 12 regular season championship in 2016 and a recent runner-up finish for doubles at the 2018 ITA National Fall Championships.
"The guys really worked hard over the break," Masi said. "They've been very focused on their tennis and come with a higher sense of urgency every day. Everyone has done a good job of focusing on what they need to do each day to get better in order for the team to get better as a whole. Our mentality is that of professionals, and they've really taken that to heart over this break."
Tech is aiming to start 2019 with a win for the fourth year in a row. The Red Raiders return seven players with experience under Masi, while also adding one transfer and three newcomers to add to their team depth.
"It's exciting," assistant coach Daniel Whitehead said. "This group is the closest group of competitors I've been around. The excitement around this building is evident. I think we're moving in the right direction as a whole and I can't wait to see what these guys put together on the court."
The return of talented junior Bjorn Thomson was key to the success the Red Raiders found during both singles and doubles play during the fall. The stout duo of Thomson and highly touted transfer Parker Wynn, who entered the fall session as the No. 42 ranked tandem in the nation, battled their way to a 14-4 record in the fall, including four wins over nationally ranked opponents and a second place finish in the fall nationals.
The doubles team of Artem Kapshuk and Ilgiz Valiev also proved to be a problem for opponents during the fall, as the duo notched nine wins in five tournaments, making them a reliable second option as doubles partners.
In singles play, Tech will look to build off of a strong finish of Valiev and fellow sophomore Matheus Leite, who combined for 18 total wins in singles play during the fall. The Red Raiders will also have three freshman newcomers to blend into the rotation.
Fans who want to follow along with Friday's action can stream the event live here.
Visit www.TexasTech.com for the latest news and information on the Texas Tech men's tennis program. Fans are also encouraged to follow the program on its social media outlets at www.facebook.com/techmenstennis and @TexasTechMTEN on Twitter and Instagram.
Tech's year will commence with two dual matches on Friday against Bryant University at 12:30 p.m. and the University of Tulsa at 6:00 p.m. before returning home for the first time since the 2018 spring slate to square off with Lamar University and the University of New Mexico on Sunday, Jan. 20.
The Red Raiders, who were recently listed as receiving votes in the latest ITA rankings, are set to begin their fourth spring campaign under head coach Brett Masi, who has led the program to a Big 12 regular season championship in 2016 and a recent runner-up finish for doubles at the 2018 ITA National Fall Championships.
"The guys really worked hard over the break," Masi said. "They've been very focused on their tennis and come with a higher sense of urgency every day. Everyone has done a good job of focusing on what they need to do each day to get better in order for the team to get better as a whole. Our mentality is that of professionals, and they've really taken that to heart over this break."
Tech is aiming to start 2019 with a win for the fourth year in a row. The Red Raiders return seven players with experience under Masi, while also adding one transfer and three newcomers to add to their team depth.
"It's exciting," assistant coach Daniel Whitehead said. "This group is the closest group of competitors I've been around. The excitement around this building is evident. I think we're moving in the right direction as a whole and I can't wait to see what these guys put together on the court."
The return of talented junior Bjorn Thomson was key to the success the Red Raiders found during both singles and doubles play during the fall. The stout duo of Thomson and highly touted transfer Parker Wynn, who entered the fall session as the No. 42 ranked tandem in the nation, battled their way to a 14-4 record in the fall, including four wins over nationally ranked opponents and a second place finish in the fall nationals.
The doubles team of Artem Kapshuk and Ilgiz Valiev also proved to be a problem for opponents during the fall, as the duo notched nine wins in five tournaments, making them a reliable second option as doubles partners.
In singles play, Tech will look to build off of a strong finish of Valiev and fellow sophomore Matheus Leite, who combined for 18 total wins in singles play during the fall. The Red Raiders will also have three freshman newcomers to blend into the rotation.
Fans who want to follow along with Friday's action can stream the event live here.
Visit www.TexasTech.com for the latest news and information on the Texas Tech men's tennis program. Fans are also encouraged to follow the program on its social media outlets at www.facebook.com/techmenstennis and @TexasTechMTEN on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
Vaccari/ Stewart Celebration
Sunday, February 23
Pawlak/Abboud Celebration
Sunday, February 23
Thiago Guglieri Win
Saturday, February 22
Doubles Celebration
Saturday, February 22