Oct. 8, 2006

ALBUQUERQUE - Kyle Barrett finished as the runner-up in the Open B singles bracket at the University of New Mexico Balloon Fiesta Tournament on Sunday, as the Bears' men's tennis newcomer continued his impressive play in the fall.

Barrett began the tournament with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, win over Cody Gaby in the round of 16. In the quarterfinals, Barrett again came through in the cluth, as he defeated Wilton Atkins 7-6, 3-6, 6-4. In the semifinals, Barrett put together a dominating performance en route to a 6-2, 6-0 win over Mitchell Brown. Barrett nearly pulled it out in the finals against Michael Beron when he came up just short in the second set, 7-6, after dropping the first set 6-0. He finished the tournament with a 3-1 record.

Austin Nunn had a strong showing in a consolation match against James Tomlin, as Nunn won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3.

Vinnie Fallico was also able to pick up a straight sets win over Renato Varella, 6-0, 6-2 in consolation play.

The tournament wrapped up fall competition for the Bears, who will now use the winter to prepare for their inaugural Big Sky Conference against Eastern Washington on Saturday, Jan. 27, at Work Out West in Greeley.