TYLER, TEXAS – The UT Tyler tennis teams opened the Tyler Invite with Men's singles action Thursday, with four Patriots advancing to the Round of 16 while all four UT Tyler Men's Doubles teams advanced to the second round.

Samuel Antwi earned a straight set win with a  6-2, 6-1 match against UTPB, meanwhile Martin Despodov won his two matches 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 to move on to the third round of the tournament. Malo Poulesquen will join his teammates after taking his second round match in straight sets, 6-3,7-5 along with Manuel Lassacher as the freshman took his second round match 4-6, 6-1.

Job Japelj, Arthur Schmitkel, and Trevor Short Alejandro Pardo all fell in their matches but are still fighting in the consolation bracket. However, all 8 Patriots are still alive in the doubles tournament as each of them advanced to the round of 16.

On the Women's side seven Patriots were able to pick up an opening round win to advance to the round of 32. And just like the Men's side, all four Patriots Doubles team won their initial matchups to move on to the round of 16.

Yona Bancarel was the top seed and dominated her opening round matchup against UTPB in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2. Luisa Moraes and Hailey Zhang made quick work in the opening round winning 6-1, 3-6 and 6-0, 6-3. Carla Rodier took down Cameron university with a 6-1, 6-2 victory to advance to the round of 32.

Claudia Di Leonardo is moving on after a nailbiting second set but ultimately took her match 6-3, 7-6, meanwhile Maria Antonio Ortega was able to take her round of 64 match 6-3, 6-4. Junor Paula Castellanos dominated her match, not dropping a game as she advances with a 6-0, 6-0 win.

Emily Ryan and Sabrina Pugh fell in the first round but will still look to bring home a win as they compete in the consolation side of the bracket.

The tournament will resume Friday and will wrap up on Sunday Oct 25.