Men's Tennis Drops 4-1 Decision to Lobos

Saturday, January 19

Boise, Idaho

TBA

University of Utah

National Indoor Qualifier vs. New Mexico

1/19/2008 12:00 AM | Men's Tennis

Jan. 19, 2008

BOISE, IDAHO - The University of Utah men's tennis team (67) had a tough day against New Mexico (54) on Saturday for the National Indoor Qualifier hosted by Boise State University. Sophomore Jason Smits pulled out the only win against the Lobos as they posted a 4-1 win over the Utes.

Smits, a native to Trenton, Ontario, faced Miles Bugby from the Lobos' squad at the No. 5 slot. Smits was able to step up to the challenge and execute a 6-2, 6-2 win over the New Mexico Junior.

Veterans Zach Ganger and New Mexico's Max Jones faced off at the No. 1 spot. New Mexico was the decided the winner before the seniors could complete their match. Jones took the first set at 6-3, but Ganger answered right back with a 6-3 win in the second set. As the match was broken up, the Ute led 3-2 and was up a break at 30-0.

Timmy Allin faced veteran Kamil Pajkowski at the No. 6 position, but was unable to hold down the fort. Allin fell to the Lobo 6-4, 6-3. Stepping in at No. 4, Othman Zerouali-Ouariti, a sophomore, took on Chris Parkes, a senior. Playing straight sets, the Lobo took the win at 6-3, 6-4.

Quote from assistant coach Roeland Brateanu:
"When you play a good team it is important to come out and start on a high not. New Mexico came out and played well and we didn't compete well enough. Competing is about finding ways to win or at least to put yourself in the position to win. Jason [Smits] did a great job today. After a poor start, Zach [Ganger] also was on the right track. We now have one week to change things and play two in-state rivals. We expect to see a different team then!"

#54 New Mexico def. #67 Utah: 4-1
1. Zach Ganger (Utah) vs. Max Jones (UNM); 3-6, 6-3, 3-22. Johnny Parkes (UNM) def. Wes Hancock (Utah); 6-0, 6-13. Graeme Kassautzki (UNM) def. Miron Mann (Utah); 6-1, 6-24. Chris Parkes (UNM) def. Othman Zerouali-Ouariti (Utah); 6-3, 6-45. Jason Smits (Utah) def. Miles Bugby (UNM); 6-2, 6-26. Kamil Pajkowski (UNM) def. Timmy Allin (Utah); 6-4, 6-3

COMING UP:
The University of Utah men's tennis team will be hosting their season opener with a double header at Eccles Tennis Center against Weber State and Utah State on January 26. Competition is set to begin at 12:00 p.m.