Wichita State men’s tennis coach Brad Louderback wanted to have his team mentally prepared for the fall season.

“We started practice a week earlier than I was going to so we would be ready for this tournament,” he said. “I expect all of them to do well; I think all of them are excited to see what they can do.”

The Shockers made their first trip to Midland, Texas, for its season debut at the Midland Fall Invitational.

The extra work paid off when senior Matheus Pereira and freshman Alvaro Gutierrez paired up to win the doubles competition.

“It was a very good tournament for Matt and Al,” Louderback said. “They have only been playing together for a couple weeks, and it is good for them to come out and beat a nationally-ranked doubles team and win their first tournament together.”

Louderback entered the tournament expecting his players to do well, but also described the weekend as more of a feeling-out process with teams such as Texas and Texas Tech also competing.

“More than anything, it’s about getting yourself ready,” he said. “I’m excited for all of them; we’re going to get a lot of good things from this.”

The Shockers are trying to replace the production of last year’s team captain David Cavalcanti, who graduated.

“It’s no different. There is a guy or two that you lose that you hate to see go, and you get some new guys that take over where they left off,” Louderback said.

Tin Ostojic, a freshman and one of three Croatian’s on the team, made his debut over the weekend. Assistant coach Matt Hogan said he has high expectations for his new players.

“Seeing what these young guys can do, we have a good opportunity because we’re playing a lot of ranked teams,” Hogan said.

The Shockers’ season continues Sept. 29 when qualifying begins for the ITA Championships.