Oct. 18, 2011
RENO, Nev. - The University of Nevada men's tennis team will be in Las Vegas this week, competing in the ITA Regional Championships from Wednesday to Sunday.
"We will see how our lineup competes against some of the top teams in our region," head coach Erik Burton said.
Eight players will make the trip, looking to continue the strong start the Wolf Pack had at the Bulldog Classic in Fresno two weeks ago.
Wessim Derbel and Victor Ouvrard each won their singles draws at the season-opening event.
Derbel defeated David Ayoun of host Fresno State 6-1, 6-0 in the finals of the main B draw, earning the Wolf Pack its first individual title of the season. Derbel entered the draw as the No. 1 overall seed.
Only a few hours later, Ouvrard completed his run through the A draw consolation bracket with a 6-4, 6-7, 10-8 win over Daniel Sardu of Oregon.
"Individual success is a major part of this week's match play," Burton said. "It will definitely show us what each team member can bring to the team and what we can expect this season."
The Regional Championships is one of the Fall's premiere events, bringing the best competition from all over the West to Las Vegas and the Darling Tennis Center.
A main singles and doubles draw will be played, as well as consolation draws in both formats.
Burton stressed the desire to encourage a team environment during this week's matches, even though the competitors will be scored as individuals.
"The men have been working extremely hard to progress in a positive team environment, and this will be a great test in building team character," Burton said.
