TUCSON, Ariz. – Enrique Asmar came in the clutch for New Mexico State Saturday afternoon when he gave the Aggies the 4-3 victory over Saint Mary's for their first win of 2018 season at the LaNelle Robson Tennis Center.
 
The Aggies got off to a hot start in doubles play, claiming victories on courts No. 3 and No. 2 by score of 6-1 – which left the top doubles match unfinished.
 
With Christofer Goncalves out in singles play, everyone moved up one spot for NM State. Saint Mary's tied things up not too long after the start of singles action, taking court two 6-2, 6-3. The Gaels then took a 2-1 lead over the Aggies when Damon Kesaris bested Luis Flores at No. 1 singles 6-3, 6-2.
 
Sergi Espias knotted the match back at 2-2 on court No. 3 when he ousted SMC's Matthew Campana 6-2, 6-2. Shortly after, Louis Menard gave the Aggies match point thanks to a 6-4, 6-2 defeat of Jacob Lagman at No. 6 singles.
 
That set up veteran Enrique Asmar, who bested Matis Bot in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 and clinched the match 4-3.
 
The Aggies now return home with a quick turnaround as they play host to Mesa Community College on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 11 a.m. in the friendly confines of the NM State Tennis Center. Admission is free for all fans.
 
Saint Mary's vs. New Mexico State
Jan. 27, 2018 at Tucson, Ariz.
(LaNelle Robson Tennis Center)
 
New Mexico State 4 – Saint Mary's 3
 
Singles
1. Damon Kesaris (SMC) def. Flores, Luis Pliego (NMSU) 6-3, 6-2
2. Nash Vollenweider (SMC) def. de Haan, Stijn (NMSU) 6-2, 6-3
3. Espias, Sergi (NMSU) def. Matthew Campana (SMC) 6-2, 6-2
4. Asmar, Enrique (NMSU) def. Matis Bot (SMC) 6-4, 6-4
5. Daniel Krutik (SMC) def. Benitez, Mauri (NMSU) 6-4, 2-6, 10-7
6. Menard, Louis (NMSU) def. Jacob Lagman (SMC) 6-4, 6-2
Order of Finish: 2, 1, 3, 6, 4, 5
 
Doubles
1. Goncalves/Flores (NMSU) vs. Kesaris/Vollenweider (SMC) unfinished
2. de Haan/Benitez(NMSU) def. Campana/Hawk (SMC) 6-1
3. Asmar/Menard (NMSU) def. Lagman/Bot (SMC) 6-1
Order of Finish: 3, 2