The early season woes continue for the Idaho men’s tennis team as it fell 7-0 to Arizona and 4-0 to New Mexico State over the weekend.
“Arizona took it to us and New Mexico State took it to us again.” Idaho coach Jeff Beaman said after the Vandals’ fourth straight loss dropped them to 3-5 on the season. “The benefit of being at the total bottom is there’s nowhere but up to go.”
Despite opening set victories by Cristobal Ramos Salazar, Cesar Torres and Andrew Zedde, the Vandals fell to the Arizona Wildcats 7-0. Jose Bendeck had a back-and-forth match with Arizona’s Kieren Thompson before falling in straight sets 6-5 (9-7), 6-4. The Wildcats also claimed victories in No. 2 and 3 doubles as No. 1 went unfinished.
After the loss to Arizona they quickly made the trip to Las Cruces, N.M., to take on WAC foe New Mexico State in a losing effort.
“It was a very disappointing loss today to New Mexico State, but you also have to give them credit, they had a very disappointing loss yesterday (to Northern Arizona),” Beaman said. “They came out, refocused with a very competitive attitude, and beat us handedly.”
The Vandals were able to pick up a win at No. 1 doubles with Bendeck and Salazar, but lost No. 2 and No. 3, which only hurt any momentum the Vandals tried to gain. The Vandals did not win a single set in the three singles matches that finished.
Joshua Gamez can be reached at [email protected]