Soares Advances to Sweet 16, Becomes Third All-American In Program History

Felipe Soares became only the third All-American in Texas Tech men’s tennis program history on Thursday when he defeated No. 52 Tin Ostojic of Wichita State in straight sets (6-4, 6-2) advancing to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

Now ranked No. 37, Soares will face Jonny Wang of Southern California on Friday.

Wang advanced after pushing past Baylor's Julian Wenz in straight sets (6-1, 6-4).

"What a great win for Felipe," head coach Tim Siegel said, following the match. "He played so smart and was aggressive at just the right times. I could not be more proud of him to begin his freshman year as the No. 7 player and now be named All-American. It's really a testament to how far he has come not only as a player but as a person too."

Hours later Soares joined Hugo Dojas to score another straight set victory over the fifth-ranked tandem in the country of Gonzales Austin and Rhys Johnson of Vanderbilt to move on into the Round of 16.

"The guys played so incredibly well," Siegel explained. "They really played good fundamental doubles, moving well with a lot of energy. I was so pleased with their focus and concentration. It was a great day for the Red Raiders."

The Red Raider pair, currently ranked the No.22 doubles team in NCAA, await the winner of the match between South Carolina and Duke in the second round of tournament play.