The ACU men’s tennis team finished its 2014 season as champions of the inaugural National Invitational Tennis Tournament as the team defeated New Jersey Tech 6-1 and avenged an early season defeat to Grand Canyon, 4-3.
The Wildcats finished the season with a 17-10 (.630) record in their first season of NCAA Div. I and finished second in the Southland Conference.
Jason Proctor said he believed all season that they could preform at a high level in Div. I and they did not disappoint.
“We knew we could play with anyone. We were prepared to play Div. I tennis while we were still a Div. II university. Still, it was nice to go out and prove ourselves in our very first year in Div. I,” Proctor said. “We look to take one step forward next season and further assert ourselves as a dominant program in the Southland Conference.”
With two victories in the Invitational, Nico Agritelley finished his first spring on a 10-match winning streak and registered a final overall dual record of 17-9. Bensley, a second-team All-Southland Conference selection, finished second to Agritelley with 16 wins and Borja Cortés completed his first full year at No. 1 with a mark of 15-11.
In doubles, the Wildcats’ recorded a .635 winning percentage (47-27) led by 17 wins from Guilherme Gesser, followed by 16 from Agritelley and 14 each from Cortés, Bensley and Proctor.
The coaches are excited for the future of ACU tennis and think this season has set a benchmark.
“I told the guys upon arrival back in Abilene that they set the bar high for the future ACU teams,” assistant coach John Walker said. “As a team, they had a great season and the first year conference record was impressive. No one can take away what they accomplished together and it took every one of them to have that type of season.”
The tennis program is headed in the right direction and is one with a bright future.
“I’m excited about next season and the future because the switch to Div. I has opened so many opportunities for our program in recruiting, and competition to name a few,” Walker said. “We will continue to shoot for the moon and create an excellent Christian environment for our tennis athletes to compete in.”
