The New Orleans Privateers men’s tennis team is set to kick off the Southland Tournament against UTRGV Vaqueros. Ranked as the 5-seed, the Privateers bring a solid season record of 12-7 into the competition. Six players have earned All-Southland recognition, including Julian Franzmann, named Freshman of the Year. The team boasts impressive statistics in singles and doubles matches. In contrast, UTRGV finished their regular season with a 10-14 overall record but excelled within the conference. Both teams are prepared for an intense battle on the court.

Privateers: A Season of Excellence and Recognition

This year, the New Orleans Privateers showcased remarkable talent and consistency. Among their accomplishments, six athletes received prestigious All-Southland honors. Julian Franzmann was not only recognized as the top freshman but also secured a spot on the first team in singles alongside David Tesic. Two doubles teams were similarly acknowledged for their exceptional performance. The team collectively achieved significant success, winning 64% of their singles matches and 61% of their doubles encounters.

Highlighting individual achievements, three Privateers attained double-digit victories in singles play. Franzmann and Tesic led the charge with 11 wins each, while Sep de Visser followed closely with 10 victories. Their strong performances contributed significantly to the team's overall success. Playing predominantly at home this season, they demonstrated resilience in road games with a commendable 3-3 record. This blend of skill and adaptability positions them well for the upcoming tournament challenge.

Vaqueros: Determination and Strength in Conference Play

The UTRGV Vaqueros enter the tournament with a respectable 10-14 overall record, having dominated conference play with a 4-1 mark. Despite a late-season loss to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the Vaqueros had been on an impressive eight-match winning streak. Sam Whitehead, honored as the Southland Player of the Year, exemplifies the team's prowess with a stellar 6-2 record in both singles and doubles within the conference.

In their previous encounter, the Vaqueros triumphed over the Privateers with a score of 5-2, showcasing their competitive edge. Notably, Franzmann and Tesic secured points for the Privateers in singles matches, with three contests extending to three sets. This indicates the potential for another fiercely contested match. As the Privateers aim to avenge their earlier defeat, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown between two formidable opponents.