ASUN tennis championships arrive on FGCU’s refreshed home courts

FGCU hosted the ASUN men’s and women’s tennis championships this week on a renovated home facility, but the Eagles’ men’s team saw their season end Friday with a 4-1 semifinal loss to North Florida at the FGCU Tennis Complex.

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Pablo Paternostro picked up FGCU’s lone point with a win at No. 2 singles.

The tournament is being played on resurfaced blue-and-green courts after FGCU partnered with the USTA to upgrade the complex ahead of the season.

The project included resurfacing all 12 courts, along with new light pole pads and 12 professional umpire chairs for championship week.

For Paternostro, the renovations were personal. “I came here out of high school, so the school became like my second home.”

He said the old courts had become a concern before the work was done.

“In the fall last year, they had uneven patches where there were safety concerns,” said Paternostro. “I mean, it was really good to get new courts, and I think it made a difference, especially in our health.”

FGCU coach Josh Molino said the upgraded surface has been a boost for the program.

“They look good, they play well, and we're just excited about the future of the program.”

Molino also pointed to the broader investment in the facility.

“I think that the universities have invested a lot on the men and women side. So we are very thankful for our facility here, and we will continue to enhance it and do our best to make Southwest Florida proud.”

Tournament play continues at FGCU, with the ASUN championship matches scheduled through Saturday.