Date Posted: 5/21/2008

TULSA, Okla. (May 21, 2008) - To be selected as one of the top 64 players in the country and compete at the NCAA men's singles championships is quite an honor; however, to become only the second player in school history to win a match and advance to the field of 32 is a much bigger accomplishment.

On Wednesday afternoon junior Enrique Olivares (Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela) joined the elite club in ETSU men's tennis history by knocking off Alexandru Cojanu (William and Mary), 7-5, 6-1, in the first round of the singles championships from the Michael D. Case Tennis Center, hosted by University of Tulsa.

Olivares, the nation's 57th ranked player, battled with Cajanu (ranked No. 109) in the first set; however, with things evened at 5-5, the Venezuelan native broke and took the all-important 6-5 advantage. From there, Olivares managed to keep his game intact and went on to win the first set, 7-5.

The junior business major carried the momentum over into the second set as he jumped out to a quick 3-0 advantage. With Olivares holding a convincing lead, he was able to finish the set, 6-1, and move on to Thursday's second round.

With the singles win, Olivares became the first Buccaneer player to win a match in the championships since coach Yaser Zaatini won a pair of matches in the 1993 championships.

Olivares now awaits his opponent as he faces the winner of Ruben Gonzales (Illinois)/Nate Schnugg (Georgia) in the round of 32 on Thursday. Times for Thursday's play have yet to be determined.

Related Links:
 • Full Story at ETSUBucs.com