For Immediate Release: March 3, 2001
Contact: Derek Smolik, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations

UT Pan American Edges Incarnate Word, 5-4, in Men's Tennis Action Saturday

SAN ANTONIO -- Juan Saiz led a late comeback as the University of Texas-Pan American edged the University of the Incarnate Word, 5-4, in men's tennis action Saturday.

Saiz, a senior from Albacete, Spain, tied the match at 3-3 when he came from behind to defeat Johan Said, at number four singles, by a 2-6, 6-3, 10-8, count at number four doubles.  At the time, the Broncs were trailing 3-2 in the match.  A loss at number four singles would likely have given the Crusaders the win.  But Saiz came back and helped save UTPA again in doubles.  Teamed with Kareem Abduallah, Saiz won an 8-6 decision over brothers Lars and Morten Sogaard, at number two doubles, to clinch the win for the Broncs.

Also picking up singles wins for the Broncs were Abdullah and Tom Mangelschots.  The team of Enrique Bastante and Pierre Cantu picked up the other doubles win for the Broncs at number three.

UTPA (5-7) has now won two matches in a row and will return to action on Sunday, when they face St. Mary's University in San Antonio.

UTPA 5, Incarnate Word 4
Men's Tennis
San Antonio, Texas

Singles
No. 1 -- Diego Parada (UIW) d. Enrique Bastante (UTPA), 6-2, 7-5
No. 2 -- Jose Paublo Hours (UIW) d. Matt Gower (UTPA), 7-6, 6-1
No. 3 -- Lars Sogaard (UIW) d. Brandon Meiners (UTPA), 6-4, 7-6
No. 4 -- Juan Saiz (UTPA) d. Johan Said (UIW), 2-6, 6-3, 10-8
No. 5 -- Kareem Abduallah (UTPA) d. Morten Sogaard (UIW), 6-1, 6-2
No. 6 -- Tom Mangelschots (UTPA) d. Tony Ramos (UIW), 6-1, 6-0

Doubles
No. 1 -- Hours/Parada (UIW) d. Gower/Meiners (UTPA), 8-2
No. 2 -- Abduallah/Saiz (UTPA) d. Sogaard/Sogaard (UIW), 8-6
No. 3 -- Bastante/Cantu (UTPA) d. Ramos/Said (UIW), 8-0

Records: UTPA 5-7