ODESSA, Texas (April 6, 2026) – Thanks to the generosity and support of Edgardo Madrid & Associates, The University of Texas Permian Basin Athletics Department has announced Paige Sitanggang (Women's Tennis), Will Tate (Men's Golf) and Gael Bernal (Baseball) as the March Student-Athletes of the Month.

Sitanggang, a freshman from Chico, California, went 3-3 in singles play during the month of March. All three of Sitanggang's singles wins were in straight sets while two of her three losses came in third-set super tiebreakers. In addition, Sitanggang earned a 6-2, 6-2 straight-sets win at No. 6 singles in an exhibition match vs. NCAA Division I UTRGV. It was the third singles win in program history against an NCAA Division I program. Sitanggang was also 2-2 in doubles during the month, including a record of 2-1 at No. 2 doubles with partner Mattea Bowe. As a team, Sitanggang helped lead the Falcons to a 4-3 record, including a four-match winning streak, and helped the Falcons get that winning streak started by clinching a 4-1 win over Southwest Baptist University with a 6-1, 6-1 win at No. 6 singles.

UTPB Head Tennis Coach Chris Tolson said, "I am extremely proud of Paige. She is a great person, student and athlete. She is willing to try everything you ask on the court. Paige has gotten better every day/month, which is all you can ask from a player. She has a very consistent game and forces her opponent to hit bigger shots in order for them to beat her. Paige had a great month and has a very bright future. I am proud of her for getting this first of many awards as a Falcon."

Tate, a senior from Reading, England, led UTPB during all three of its tournaments in the month of March, and finished in the top-10 during all three of those tournaments. The highlight of the month came at the Midwestern State Invitational as both UTPB and Tate (individual medalist) led wire-to-wire. UTPB finished two-under as a team (284-277-289; 850) while Tate was 10-under (67-68-68; 203) and successfully defended his Midwestern State Invitational title from 2025. With a three-round score of 203, Tate's score is a new program record by one stroke. In addition, with two individual championships now in his career, Tate ranks second all-time in wins at UTPB. Tate was named the LSC Men's Golfer of the Week for the third time in the last two seasons after the Midwestern State Invite. He is currently ranked No. 31 nationally in NCAA Division II and No. 5 in the South Central Region. During the rest of the month, Tate tied for ninth place at the Shadow Valley Invitational (74-71-74; 219; +3), and tied for sixth place at the Oak Tree Invitational (69-77; 146; +6). This is the third time in 2025-26 UTPB men's golf has been recognized with the Men's Athlete of the Month honors (Tate – September; Ioan Rowe – October). In addition, this is Tate's fifth Student-Athlete of the Month award in the last two years (October 2024, March 2025, April 2025, September 2025, March 2026). In 2024-25, Tate was named UTPB's Edgardo Madrid & Associates Men's Student-Athlete of the Year.

UTPB Head Golf Coach Paul Chavez said, "Will seems to be a staple in receiving this honor, but is still very deserving. His hard work and dedication to his craft is recognized and awarded."

Bernal is a junior infielder from El Paso, Texas. He played in all 17 games, reached base more than half the time (.571 on-base percentage), and nearly hit .500 (.492) throughout the course of the month of March. His numbers also included 15 runs, 29 hits, two doubles, one triple, 16 RBI's, seven walks and four hit by pitches across 59 at bats. He had nearly as many runs (15) and RBI's (16) as games played (17), and averaged 1.7 hits per game. He led the Falcons in hits, RBI's, batting average and on-base percentage during the month. Almost as impressively, Bernal committed just one error in 47 chances (.979 fielding percentage) while playing at three different positions on the infield (shortstop, second base, third base). Bernal hit .556 (10-18) and led the team in both hits (10) and RBI's (7) in the series at Eastern New Mexico University. He then hit .688 (11-16), led the team in hits (11) and hit by pitches (3), and posted a .737 on-base percentage and a .813 slugging percentage in the home series vs. Cameron University. Lastly, Bernal hit .556 (5-for-9) in the series at No. 18 The University of Texas at Tyler.

UTPB Head Baseball Coach Justin Phillips said, "The best players do not always have to say much to be heard. Gael leads us through action, consistency, and an unbreakable commitment to the team. He shows us what true excellence looks like every single day. His ability to play anywhere on the infield, play through injuries, and consistent attitude and production has been remarkable."