RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women’s tennis team has a pair of home matches coming up, one in Edinburg and one in Brownsville, and will host a free kids clinic.
UTRGV (6-4) will face the Omaha Mavericks (8-5) at the Orville Cox Tennis Center on Sunday at 2 p.m. On Monday, the Vaqueros will host the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Highlanders (6-4) at the Brownsville Tennis Center at 12 p.m. with a free kids clinic for ages 4-18 years old to follow from 4:30-6 p.m.
“Omaha is a tough group. We know they’re coming in ready to play,” UTRGV head coach West Nott said. “NJIT is actually one of the toughest teams we’re playing on paper, ranking wise. They’re a really talented group with a deep lineup. We’re just going to come out firing and loose.”
Sunday’s match will be the first between UTRGV and Omaha. The series between the Vaqueros and NJIT is tied at 1-1. The two programs haven’t faced off since the 2012-13 season, when the Highlanders earned a 4-1 win in New Jersey.
Nott hopes to see his team bounce back from a loss at St. Mary’s its last time out. These matches will be the final tune-ups before UTRGV opens Western Athletic Conference play March 19-20 in Huntsville.
“We got punched in the mouth against St. Mary’s and that was a little bit of a setback for us. But when things like this happen to us, we respond pretty well. I’m excited to see how we handle it and to see if we can overcome the negative energy we had the other day and just come out with a more positive mindset.”
The Vaqueros welcome youngsters of all experience to the clinic and are especially encouraging beginners. Rackets are not required.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to connect with the kids. We encourage all new players to come on out,” Nott said. “The idea is just to help them fall in love with the game, help them experience something new and hopefully meet some role models to encourage them to chase their own dreams.”
UTRGV held a kids clinic in Edinburg in January and had an amazing turnout. Senior Katarina Sasaroga hopes the Brownsville clinic will be just as successful. Nine of the 12 student-athletes on the roster, including Sasaroga, are international, and having the chance to influence Rio Grande Valley tennis players is something they enjoy.
“Our first clinic this year was so much fun. We met so many people from the Valley and a lot of kids that are passionate about tennis. They were willing to come learn and we had a great time,” Sasaroga said. “We’re going to have one on Monday in Brownsville and I encourage everyone to come out and meet us and just play some tennis.”
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