The success that the UT Permian Basin Men's Tennis Team had in the fall - making it to ITA Regionals - has led to Vitaliy Horovoy and Takumi Katsuda being named to the Lone Star Conference Men's Tennis players to watch for the upcoming spring season.

In the fall, Horovoy shinned among his competition resulting in him being ranked the No. 3 singles player in the South Central Region and No. 21 singles player in the nation. He also had success with his doubles partner, Lucas Nitzschke who made it to the semifinals at the ITA Regional tournament, resulting in them being ranked the No. 4 doubles team in the South Central Region.

"Personally, I'm looking to get first team singles and secure a top-10 ranking in the country," said Horovoy. "As team we have one main goal, we have to win conference, make regionals and national. We have been working really hard to get to that point."

Similar to Horovoy, Katsuda also had success against opposing competition, as he finished the fall season ranked the No. 4 singles player in the South Central Region and No. 43 in the nation. Additionally, Katsuda was spectacular in doubles competition with his partner Jonas Krahofer - who won the ITA Regional doubles championship – and went on to finish 2-1 at the ITA Cup. The duo is currently ranked the No. 1 doubles team in the South-Central Region and No. 8 doubles team in the nation.  

"Our goal is to go to Nationals as team," said Katsuda. "But, I don't think it is easy so we have to practice a lot and workout hard."

The Falcons return to the tennis court on Friday (Feb. 2) for an exhibition match against Abilene Christian at 12 p.m., then will officially begin their season on Saturday (Feb. 3) facing Hardin-Simmons at 10 a.m. and McMurry at 4 p.m.