PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon men's tennis team will continue its five-match roadtrip to start the season this weekend as they prepare for two matches in two different states. On Saturday GCU will take on Idaho State in Pocatello before hitting the road to Logan, Utah to face Utah State.
The Lopes go into the weekend with a 2-1 record and after two weeks of competition, the Lopes have claimed both Western Athletic Conference's Player of the Week honors. On Jan. 19
Alexander Roggenkamp claimed the honor after going 4-0 and this week
Mitch Maroscher received the award on Jan. 24 after his impressive performance against Saint Mary's.
Maroscher was instrumental in a crucial win over Saint Mary's that will help create early momentum for the Lopes this season. To start the match against the Gaels, Maroscher paired up with
Adrian Legarreta as the No. 1 team in doubles and was able to come away with the 6-3 victory.
When the match got tight late in singles, the native of Ohio stepped up when his team needed him the most and clinched the match over a West Coast Conference opponent. As GCU's top player on court one, Maroscher defeated Saint Mary's Thomas Hunt in three sets. After taking the first set 7-5, Hunt would force a third and final set but Maroscher stepped up and took the third set in convincing fashion, 6-3. Maroscher's match would clinch the victory for the Lopes to improve to 2-1 this season.
Idaho State has played in just one match this season in which they suffered a loss to Utah 1-6. Utah State has played in five matches this season going 2-3 but have faced some stiff competition. Utah State has played four nationally ranked opponents in No. 2 Oklahoma, No. 35 Drake and No. 71 Iowa. The fourth nationally ranked team they face was No. 66 UTSA, which they swept 4-0.
The trip to Idaho and Utah will conclude the roadtrip to kick off the season before heading home next week to take on Western New Mexico.