For Immediate Release: Friday, February 07, 2003
Contact: Adam Pitterman, UTPA Assistant Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

BRONCS OPEN NEW MEXICO TRIP WITH WIN

LAS CRUCES, NM-The University of Texas-Pan American men's tennis team began their three-match road trip by defeating Abilene Christian, 7-0, at the New Mexico State University Tennis Center Friday afternoon. With the win, Texas-Pan American improves to 2-1, while the Wildcats fall to 2-3.

"Abilene Christian is one of the top Division II programs in the country," said UTPA Head Coach Todd Chapman. "I was very pleased with how we played. We played well and focused."

The Broncs earned victories in two of the three doubles matches, giving them the single doubles point. Sophomores Filip Koziell (Calgary, AB/Bishop Carroll HS) and Jeremy Salvo (Coquitlam, BC/Centennial Secondary) defeated Julien Curatella and Sal Taweel at number one doubles, 8-3. Matt Gower (Sr., Somerset, England/Kings of Wessex HS/St. Francis) and Nik Porter (Fr., Tunbridge Wells, England/Bennett Memorial School) beat Kirk O'Connor and Evan Puglia at number three, 8-6. Trent Broach and Jason Ray won for ACU in the second slot, defeating Tom Mangelschots (Jr., Limburg, Belgium/KA 2 HS) and Oliver Steil (Fr., Brunssum, The Netherlands/AF North International School), 8-4.

UT Pan American swept the six singles matches. At number one, Koziell defeated Curatella 6-1, 6-7, 6-3. Tom Mangelschots was victorious against Broach at number two, 7-5, 6-2. Gower turned in a strong performance at number three, defeating O'Connor, 6-1, 6-2. Salvo defeated Clayton Morgan at number four, 6-1, 6-2. Steil picked up the win against Ray at number five, 6-2, 6-0. Porter earned the win for UTPA at number six, defeating Jason Purser, 6-0, 6-3.

"It was a complete team effort," said Chapman. "Filip and Jeremy played well at number one doubles. Gower and Porter came back for the win, and played well in their first time teaming together."

The Broncs return to action Saturday, when they visit New Mexico State

MT-ACU-020703

UTPA 7, Abilene Christian 0

Doubles
1. Filip Koziell/Jeremy Salvo (UTPA) def. Julien Curatella/Sal Taweel (ACU) 8-3
2. Trent Broach/Jason Ray (ACU) def. Tom Mangelschots/Oliver Steil (UTPA) 8-4
3. Matt Gower/Nik Porter (UTPA) def. Kirk O'Connor/Evan Puglia (ACU) 8-6

Singles
1. Koziell (UTPA) def. Curatella (ACU) 6-1, 6-7, 6-3
2. Mangelschots (UTPA) def. Broach (ACU) 7-5, 6-2
3. Gower (UTPA) def. O'Connor (ACU) 6-1, 6-0
4. Salvo (UTPA) def. Clayton Morgan (ACU) 6-1, 6-2
5. Steil (UTPA) def. Ray (ACU) 6-2, 6-0
6. Porter (UTPA) def. Jason Purser (ACU) 6-0, 6-3