University of Texas Arlington
Midland Fall Invitational
WT: De los Rios reaches final at Midland
9/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
By Michael Eldridge | @DFWSportsMike
MIDLAND, Texas - If the opening weekend was any indication of the team's determination this season, it is going to be a strong campaign.
Angeles de los Rios opened up her senior season with a 5-1 record at the Racquet Club College Invitational, reaching the finals of the main draw on Sunday. Freshman Anna Wichert was able to bounce back from her opening-match loss to claim the consolation bracket title.
"The girls were very good this weekend," UTA coach Diego Benitez said. "With Astrid (Gehre) and Angeles going deep in the draw it was a good result. Angeles had a high-level match against Texas State and everyone had a really great performance this weekend."
De los Rios picked up straight set wins in her first four matches and knocked off two Texas Tech opponents on the way to the final. However, it was the third Red Raider that was able to finally get the best of the senior in a 6-4, 7-6 decision.
Astrid Gehre advanced into the Round of 16 with a pair of straight-set wins. She opened with a 7-6, 6-1 win over No. 125 Andrea LeBlanc of New Mexico and defeated Metroplex rival Laura Arciniegas from North Texas. Gehre would fall in the Round of 16.
Wichert lost a tough opener in her collegiate debut against an opponent from Nebraska, but found her stride through the consolation. Wichert's wins included victories over Nebraska and eventually Penn State in the final, also matching de los Rios' 5-1 record.
Despite entering the tournament as the defending doubles champions, UTA was unable to advance out of the second round as both of its teams would drop close decisions.
The Mavericks are back in action on Friday in Houston as they begin play in the Rice Invitational.
