For Immediate Release: Saturday, March 29, 2003
Contact: Adam Pitterman, UTPA Assistant Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

BRONCS WIN SIXTH STRAIGHT, STEIL EXTENDS SINGLES STREAK

ARLINGTON, TX—Freshman Oliver Steil (Brunssum, The Neatherlands/AF North International School) won his tenth consecutive singles match to help lift the University of Texas-Pan American men’s tennis team to a 6-1 win over Oral Roberts, Saturday at the University of Texas-Arlington Tennis Center.  With the win, Texas-Pan American improved to 10-4, while the Golden Eagles fell to 2-12.

The Broncs picked up a big win at number two doubles, when senior Matt Gower (Somerset, England/Kings of Wessex HS/St. Francis) and freshman Nik Porter (Tunbridge Wells, England/Bennett Memorial School) defeated Chris Mohr and Wessel Kemp, 9-7.  The win coupled with a win by sophomore Jeremy Salvo (Coquitlam, BC/Centennial Secondary) and Steil at number three doubles, gave UTPA the doubles point.

“We played well today,” said UTPA Head Coach Todd Chapman.  “We played much better in the doubles, but got off to a slow start in some of the singles matches.”

Texas-Pan American won five of the six singles matches.  Sophomore Filip Koziell earned his sixth consecutive singles victory, while Porter won his seventh straight.

“Four of the six singles matches went to three sets,” said Chapman.  “We were fortunate to win, but we’re 10-4 now.  Hopefully we can take our confidence and momentum into the match with Texas-Arlington.”

The Broncs will return to action Sunday, when they play defending Southland Conference champion Texas Arlington in their third conference match of the season.

-UTPA Tennis-

UTPA 6   Oral Roberts 1

Doubles

1.             Jared Welch/Matt Munson (ORU) def. Tom Mangelschots/ Filip Koziell (UTPA) 9-7
2.             Matt Gower/Nik Porter (UTPA) def. Chris Mohr/Wessel Kemp (ORU) 9-7
3.             Jeremy Salvo/Oliver Steil (UTPA) def. Kevin Garlington/Eddie Paez (ORU) 8-3

Singles

1.             Welsh (ORU) def. Mangelschots (UTPA) 6-3, 0-6, 6-2
2.             Koziell (UTPA) def. Mohr (ORU) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2
3.             Gower (UTPA) def. Munson (ORU) 4-6, 6-4, 6-2
4.             Salvo (UTPA) def. Paez (ORU) 6-4, 6-0
5.             Steil (UTPA) def. Kemp (ORU) 6-4, 6-7, 6-4
6.             Porter (UTPA) def. Garlington (ORU) 6-4, 6-5