ABILENE – The Western Athletic Conference recognized four Abilene Christian men's tennis players as All-Conference selections, headlined by Freshman of the Year
Martin Delnido, the league announced on Wednesday.
Delnido also was selected singles first-team All-WAC.
Merse Deli and
Mihaly Deli received first-team doubles accolades and
Dennis Dutine was named second-team singles All-WAC.
Delnido, Dutine and
Merse Deli are all freshmen and Mihaly is a senior.
"Anytime any of my players get recognized, I'm excited and I'm super proud of the guys," said ACU Head Coach Juan Nunez. "All four guys are incredible people. For the freshmen to get recognized it's exciting going forward. The future of the program is in good hands."
Delnido was 4-0 against the WAC this season and ended the regular season on a seven-match winning streak. He was 9-3 overall this season, including a 7-3 mark at No. 6 singles.
"Super excited about Martin," said Nunez. "He landed in the United States and four days later we're playing Baylor and then Texas. He has gotten comfortable with the team and moving from a different country different language different culture. Super happy for him. He is an incredible player and asset for the team."
The Deli brothers were 9-0 this season as partners though they only got to compete in one WAC match together due to injury.
"Merse, to be able to get that award with his brother, with Mihaly graduating, I think it's pretty special," Nunez said. "For siblings to have one year to play together and to accomplish that is something they will be able to cherish for the rest of their lives."
Dutine won 11 matches in the season and nine in the spring. He went 7-3 in fifth singles.
"Dennis continues to grow and come through for us and win matches," Nunez said. "His potential is incredible. He has a chance to be huge for the program for the next three years."
Nunez noted that the award winners didn't have to adjust on their own.
"We have a good group of seniors and juniors to show them the way," said Nunez. "The quality of kids that we brought this year; they are great on the court but even better as young men. They are extremely important for our program and the culture we want to create. Ben McDonald has been incredible and ready to do whatever the team needs.
Ethan Scribner is the same way. If people knew what Dani, Cesar and Jose go through to even get on the court, it's incredible. Dario could barely walk a few weeks ago and now he is giving himself a chance to help us at the WAC Tournament. Four got recognized but there are six more that work hard to get ready to be there for each other. It's pretty special."
