ARLINGTON, TEXAS – The University of Arkansas-Little Rock, ranked 40th in the nation, swept all six singles matches to defeat the University of Texas-Pan American in men’s tennis action Saturday afternoon.

The Broncs (6-3) played the Trojans tough throughout the singles, but couldn’t break through.  Enrique Bastante nearly picked up a point for the Broncs, but fell 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) to Zibu Ncube at number two singles.  Unai Uranga also played tough at number three, but fell 6-2, 6-3, to Mariano Pettigrosso.  Cesar Vargas was a 6-1, 7-6 (6-1) victim of Domenico Marra at number four singles.

The Broncs did bounce back well in doubles, winning the only two matches completed.  Jorge Cuesta and Uranga defeated Juan Carlos Baca and Shawn Bourod at number one, 8-4.  Bastante and Vargas also picked up a doubles win with an 8-3 decision over Marra and Pettigrosso at number two.  The number three doubles match was not completed due to rain.

“We played really well,” said Head Coach Scott Howard.  “For us to win the doubles is big.  They’re the highest ranked and best team we’ve played all year.  Best we played doubles all year.  It’s something for us to build on.”

The Broncs will return to action on Sunday when they face the 75th ranked University of Texas-Arlington at 10 a.m. in Arlington, Texas.

(#40) UALR 6, UTPA 1
Men’s Tennis
April 1, 2000

Singles
#1  Daniel Iuiesta (UALR) d. Jorge Cuesta (UTPA), 6-0, 6-0
#2  Zibu Ncube (UALR) d. Enrique Bastante (UTPA), 6-3, 7-6
#3  Mariano Pettigrosso (UALR) d. Unai Uranga (UTPA), 6-2, 6-3
#4  Domenico Marra (UALR) d. Cesar Vargas (UTPA), 6-1, 7-6
#5  Juan Carlos Baca (UALR) d. Juan Saiz (UTPA), 6-3, 6-0
#6  Luciano Diez (UALR) d. Raul Cortina (UTPA), 6-0, 6-0

Doubles
#1  Cuesta/Uranga (UTPA) d. Baca/Bourod (UALR), 8-4
#2  Bastante/Vargas (UTPA) d. Marra/Pettigrosso (UALR), 8-3
#3  Cortina/Saiz (UTPA) vs. Diez/Iuiesta (UALR), Did Not Finish