For Carl Ho, Christmas came early.
The freshman won the finals in the UNM Balloon Fiesta Invitational.
A few other newcomers put up some solid results as well.
After six days of tennis last week at the ITA All-American Tournament in Tulsa, Okla., the tennis team was right back at it with the Balloon Fiesta Invitational this weekend.
Head coach Alan Dils sat a few of his star players and gave some freshmen center court.
"I probably would have played a couple more guys, but they really need this time to get caught up in school," Dils said. "These tournaments really stack up on each other."
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Freshmen Phillip Anderson, Ho, Matt Neeld, sophomore Andrew Archer and junior Chandler Brass competed in the tournament.
Archer and Brass were eliminated in singles on the first day of play.
Neeld won two matches in the men's B draw but lost to Northern Arizona's Brelin Powell in the round of 16.
Ho and Anderson stole the show. Ho won the men's singles tournament while Anderson got to the semifinal on the other end of the draw.
It looked as though it could be an all-Lobo final, but NAU's Andrew Reiff stood in Anderson's way.
After putting away three opponents - all in quick, two-set wins - Anderson found his way into the semis against Reiff. Anderson was tested this match and was defeated.
He squeaked by the first set, 7-6, but lost in the second set 6-7.
Anderson, who ended up losing 7-6, 6-7, 2-6 and hadn't played in a third set until that point, said his lack of stamina might have cost him.
"I have been doing a lot of fitness, but, you know, maybe I was a little tired in my last match," Anderson said.
Anderson said he lost his concentration as he jawed back and forth with Reiff.
"That was sheer frustration towards my opponent," Anderson said. "Usually I do a good job of playing the ball, instead of worrying about what my opponent is doing on the other side."
Ho, Anderson's doubles partner, did better in the semifinals, as he advanced to the finals to defeat Reiff, 6-1, 6-3 and win the tournament.
"I have been playing pretty good so far," Ho said. "The coaches have really been helping out my game. My inside-out forehand has really been on this tournament, and my serve has been pretty decent. I don't serve too well, but I have been hitting a lot of aces."
Ho eased his way through four opponents to win the tournament without dropping a set.
After lucking out with a bye in the first round, Ho defeated NAU's Robin Pezzutto, 6-2, 6-2, in the round of 16. In the quarterfinals, Ho walked over NMMI's Marek Ondruj, 6-1, 6-2. Then he beat Cody Hall in the semis, 6-3, 6-1.
Ho's final match was no different.
He was broken early but quickly broke back to go on to win 6-1, 6-3.
"Ho and Anderson both have done a great job of putting (the coaches') ideas into play," Dils said. "They have both had a good tournament."
Tennis at ITA Fall Regional
Wednesday, All day
Las Vegas, Nev.
