Men’s tennis ready for first serve in MW play
The Utah State men’s tennis team begins play in the Mountain West this Saturday against Boise State.
They enter conference play with a 13-5 record.
“We had a really good non-conference schedule,” said USU head coach Clancy Shields. “We played hard, we did really well, and now we need to bring that into our conference results.”
The Aggies began the season with a tough start, dropping three of their first four matches. However, the team bounced back with six straight victories, including wins over nationally ranked UTSA and South Alabama. Each of the five losses this year has been to a nationally ranked team. They also are undefeated at home.
“Watching teams react when they beat us, they are very excited,” Shields said. “The guys have started realizing that we are actually pretty good. It’s funny to see when teams beat us, they celebrate and are excited. We’ve made a step up as a program, and I think teams realize that as well.”
One of the key factors for USU’s success has been freshman Luis Lopez, who is currently on a 10-match singles streak. He has either won or gone unfinished every match since January 18th, a span of 13 matches.
“I feel like even though I’ve won my past matches, I haven’t played my best tennis yet,” Lopez said. “I feel like I could hit my peak during conference play.”
One of Shields’ goals this season has been to instill a championship mentality among his players. Last season USU set the program’s record for wins after an 18-9 season — this year, it’s on pace to top that.
“Our ranking speaks for itself,” Shields said. “It puts more of a target on our back. When we first got in the conference play, we were a free win. Now when teams are looking at us, they’re looking at us like we’re the top dogs. That’s cool for us, and new for us too.”
The Aggies are ranked No. 58 in the nation, the highest ranking in the program history.
“All the guys on the team are like my brothers,” Lopez said. “The team environment has really helped me. The belief that we are a good team has made everyone expect to win. Losing isn’t an option.”
Many on the team thought the youth of the Aggies would be an issue, but they have still won matches despite having no seniors. Two juniors lead the way for USU along with two sophomores and four freshmen.
“We have some really good leaders on the team,” Shields said. “I think we have a very good staff. It’s a great group of guys and everyone is invested in the program and each other. There are no selfish guys.”
The Aggies first conference opponent is Boise State. Boise State has won three consecutive MW championships and is again a favorite to win in 2016. They are also the alma mater of Shields, where he was an outstanding tennis player and coach.
“I need to take my emotions out of every situation,” Shields said. “There’s an obvious bond that I have with (Boise State), but these guys are the favorite team I’ve ever coached. There are no feelings about playing my alma mater or the guys that I coached. These guys are my family now.”
The other conference favorite is New Mexico, who is ranked No. 56, respectively. The Aggies had previously played New Mexico in the season, losing 4-1 on March 12 in the Mountain-Pacific Tournament.
“It’s my job to keep motivating the guys,” Shields said. “We have to come up with a compelling reason why we want to win this more than them. Tennis is a battle of wills, and if I want it more than my opponent, I’m probably going to win. The guys need to buy into why they need the conference championship.
First serve against Boise State is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 19th.
— dawson.oler@gmail.com
Twitter: @DawsonOler