No theatrics, no anxiety - the UNM men's tennis team already knew it would be in the NCAA Championships field.
After winning the Mountain West Conference on Saturday, the Lobos won't forget to pack the sunscreen, because they are headed to sunny Los Angeles to take on Minnesota in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on May 9.
Should the Lobos advance past the first round, regional host No. 8 Southern California could be the Lobos' second-round opponents.
"It's a great draw for us," head coach Alan Dils said. "We've seen Minnesota play before two years ago. And any seeded team is very good. USC has been very good this year. But almost no team is unbeatable. If we get there, the pressure will be on USC."
The Lobos last faced off against the Gophers in 2007, beating them 5-2 in Albuquerque. This year, Minnesota is ranked No. 33. UNM comes in as No. 41.
"We'll be considered the underdogs," senior Johnny Parkes said. "But our team has a lot of heart, and we're a really close team. That will definitely be in our favor."
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The Mountain West Conference is also represented by TCU, which earned an at-large bid. The Horned Frogs will play Tulsa in first-round action.
Dils said getting teams in the tournament helps the conference collectively.
"TCU is a good team," he said. "They deserve to be in the NCAA Tournament, and I'm glad our conference got two teams in. It shows that we've got a strong conference."
The Lobos will make their 11th appearance in the postseason tournament, their first since 2004.
Senior Graeme Kassautzki said it's easier to breathe knowing that they are in the tournament.
"I remember waiting last year with anticipation hoping to hear our name called," he said. "This year, we were just waiting to see our name pop up. It was kind of nice knowing we're already in."
Kassautzki said the seniors are excited to play in their first postseason tournament.
"This has been a dream since my freshman year," he said. "What a great way to end our college career."
Dils said his team has two weeks of intense practice planned in preparation for the NCAA Tournament.
"I want our team to have a strong showing for our seniors," he said. "They've worked so hard this season to get into the tournament. I want us to be ready and give it everything we've got."
Men's tennis vs. Minnesota
May 9, TBA
Los Angeles
