Second Place Isn’t the Goal: UTRGV Men’s Tennis Wants More

UTRGV men’s tennis has been close.

Twice.

The Vaqueros have finished second in the Southland Conference in each of the last two seasons. Now, as UTRGV opens its fall schedule at the Islander Open in Corpus Christi, the question isn’t whether this program can compete near the top of the conference.

We already know it can.

The question is whether this group can take the next step.

Head coach Nathan Robinson returns seven players and adds four newcomers to an 11-man roster. There are proven conference winners back, but also holes to fill after the departure of Sam Whitehead, who played at the top of UTRGV’s singles and doubles lineups last season.

That’s what makes this fall interesting.

Four Vaqueros to Watch

Ivo Isqueiro, Fifth Year

Don’t let Isqueiro’s 10-16 overall singles record fool you.

When Southland play arrived, he was one of UTRGV’s best players.

Isqueiro went 4-1 in conference singles, primarily at No. 2, and earned Second Team All-SLC honors. He also went 4-1 in conference doubles alongside Santiago Serrano, with the pair earning First Team All-SLC recognition.

With Whitehead gone, UTRGV needs someone to help anchor the top of the lineup.

Isqueiro has already shown he can win there.

Tsz Him “Michael” Chan, Junior

Chan might be UTRGV’s most intriguing returner.

He went 13-13 overall and 10-8 in dual singles, leading the Vaqueros with 10 spring singles victories. He finished 3-2 in Southland play and earned First Team All-SLC honors at No. 6.

Chan also clinched UTRGV’s 4-3 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the Vaqueros’ first win over the Islanders since 2023.

Now comes the next question: Can he take that production higher in the lineup?

Santiago Serrano, Senior

Serrano gives Robinson another player who delivered in conference play.

He went 3-2 in Southland singles and finished 14-11 overall in doubles. His partnership with Isqueiro went 4-1 against conference opponents and earned First Team All-SLC honors at No. 2.

While UTRGV experiments with combinations this fall, Robinson already has one proven pairing he can return to.

Loic Young Kriegel, Junior

Young Kriegel’s doubles production deserves attention.

He went 15-13 overall and 4-1 in Southland doubles. His partnership with Whitehead earned First Team All-SLC honors at No. 1.

But Whitehead is gone.

Finding Young Kriegel’s next partner will be one of UTRGV’s biggest doubles questions this fall. He also won 10 singles matches last season, giving Robinson another experienced option as the lineup takes shape.

Newcomer to Watch: Aleksandar Hudjec

Of UTRGV’s four newcomers, Hudjec has the résumé that immediately gets our attention.

The Campbell transfer went 10-10 in dual singles and 4-1 in CAA play last season, primarily competing at Nos. 3 and 4. He also went 6-3 at No. 2 doubles with Thomas Drapeau.

UTRGV isn’t bringing in someone who still has to prove he can win Division I matches. Hudjec has already done it.

Now we’ll see where he fits.

Competition Throughout the Roster

Hudjec isn’t the only new option.

Camille Chantron arrives from Montana State with Division I experience in both singles and doubles. Freshmen Miguel Bellorio Pinheiro of Brazil and Eoghan Samyn of France give Robinson two younger pieces to develop.

Three other returners will be competing for roles as well.

Senior Paolo Bonaguro recorded 10 doubles victories last season, including six alongside Chan. Junior Eduardo Menezes returns after primarily seeing tournament action.

Then there’s Francisco Gamez, the local connection. The Tampico native attended Brownsville St. Joseph and returns for his junior season after seeing tournament action last year. We’ll be watching to see whether the Valley-developed player can push for a larger role.

That’s all 11 Vaqueros, and the fall gives Robinson time to figure out how the pieces fit.

Diamond DITV Final Word

This isn’t a rebuild.

UTRGV went 18-12 in Southland singles matches and 10-5 in conference doubles last season. The Vaqueros finished second in the conference for the second straight year.

They’ve already proven they belong near the top.

But Whitehead’s departure creates questions at No. 1 singles and doubles. Hudjec gives Robinson an experienced transfer who could immediately push for a significant role, while Chan has an opportunity to build on a breakout season.

The answers won’t all come during one weekend in Corpus Christi. That’s what the fall is for.

But the bigger goal is already obvious.

UTRGV has spent two straight seasons proving it belongs near the top of the Southland. The next step isn’t getting close again. It’s finishing the job.