The UTM tennis teams made the best of the Baras Fall Tennis Classic this past weekend in Chattanooga.

Hoping to use this as a tune up for the vigor of the OVC season this spring, UTM had four players advance to the round of 16.

“We had looked good in practice at times, so we went to Chattanooga thinking we might surprise some people in this tournament,” said UTM head tennis coach Dennis Taylor.

Sophomores Gustavo Anzola, Oltion Mollaymeri, along with freshman Ben Hatchwell and Jeanne DeWet were among those to reach the top 16 in the tournament.

Mollaymeri reached the quarterfinals in singles action where he lost to David Ray of Birmingham Southern 7-6 and 6-1.

“We didn’t play well the first day, especially the girls. The second day was just the opposite. We came out and showed how hard we had been working. We were able to show we can play tennis,”said coach Taylor.

In men’s doubles action, Gustavo Anzola teamed with Mollaymeri and finished in the quarterfinals, while Adolfo Anzola and Hatchwell, along with Will Taylor and Matt Wiseman finished in the top 16.

In women’s doubles action, DeWet and Gayatri Ramesh finished in the semifinals, while Ana Bakran and Elly Shearman finished in the top 16.

Although Lucas Tregansin did not advance to the round of 16, he claimed one of the biggest wins in the tournament when he beat Jacksonville State’s Ruben Herrera, 3-6, 7-5, 1-0 (8).

“That’s a quality win for Lucas,” said Taylor. “Herrera has enjoyed a national ranking and was among the winners in last year’s Baras Fall Tennis Classic.”

Taylor also noted the play of Adolfo Anzola, who lost in the Round of 32 semis.

“He came back and won two matches in the back draw. He showed improvement with each match,” said Taylor.