LAS VEGAS – Odon Barta led the charge for the Idaho men's tennis team at this weekend's Division I ITA Mountain Regional headlining an overall encouraging event for the Vandals.

Barta, seeded No. 27, defeated four opponents, two being higher seeds before being beaten in the quarter finals by the No. 1 seed in the tournament, despite a valiant effort. Barta initially took down his first opponent, Northern Arizona's Alex Locci in two sets 6-3, 6-4, moving on to upset Denver's David Fox in the round of 64 in a tight battle 7-5, 7-6. He continued his winning ways in the round of 32, defeating Nevada's Ryan Andrada 7-5, 4-0 due to an injury to Andrada. Barta won his round of 16 bout with New Mexico State's Liam Goldberg, fighting back and dispatching him in three sets 4-6, 6-2, 7-6. Odon dropped the quarter final round match to the top-seeded Henry Craig of Denver, 6-4, 6-3.

“Odon played very well this tournament,” associate head coach Art Hoomiratana said. “Several coaches at the tournament commented on how much he has improved from last year. He is definitely emerging as one of the stronger players in the region.”

Freshmen Mark Kovacs and Filipe Fonseca both had quality first round victories. Kovacs took down BYU's Juan Canales 6-4, 6-4, while Fonseca defeated Air Force's Dillon Launius 6-2, 2-6, 6-1.  

“I was really happy with the effort of our two freshmen,” Hoomiratana added. “They got some good matches in and are getting better and better with each tournament.

“I like the way we competed and our mental preperation for the most part. Moving forward we need to improve closing out matches as we had many close matches that went the other way.”

The Vandals are back in action for their final fall tournament, traveling to the Gonzaga Fall Tournament. Play begins Friday, Oct. 24.