Senior Alex Aguiar and first-year Diego Alcala of the Fairfield University men’s tennis team made history this fall by becoming the first Stag duo ever to win a MAAC Doubles Championship before representing Fairfield on the national stage at the ITA Conference Masters in San Diego this past weekend. Their run marked a major milestone for the program and showcased the blend of chemistry and belief that defined their partnership throughout the fall season.
“It’s an incredible feeling winning the championship,” Aguiar said. “It is one of those goals that always seems so far out of reach. Being the first team in our school’s history to accomplish it makes the achievement even more special.” The pair’s title run at the MAAC Masters earlier in October was highlighted by resilience, as they rallied from an early 4–1 deficit in the semifinals before defeating Marist’s Ian Layton and Gregor Heinemann 6–3 in the championship match. The victory secured Fairfield’s first-ever MAAC men’s doubles crown and an automatic berth to the national ITA event.
Much of their success, both regionally and nationally, came down to communication and trust on the court. “I think my doubles experience and Diego’s natural talent really made the difference,” Aguiar said. “But honestly, what helped even more was that we both speak Spanish. It made our communication and chemistry on court so much stronger.” Alcala echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how quickly their partnership clicked. “Doubles is a lot about chemistry and energy,” he said. “As a freshman, I probably didn’t realize that at first, but Alex, being a senior, helped me understand how important that is. He gave me confidence and the energy that the matches required. We played well together, trusted each other, and stayed positive in every moment. That was really important in deciding points.”
Heading into the national tournament in San Diego, the pair stayed grounded and focused on the small details that got them there. “In preparation for this tournament, we really focused on the little details like communication, positioning, and shot selection,” Aguiar said. “Our goal was to make small adjustments without changing the core of our game, because that’s what got us here in the first place. We knew if we stayed true to our strengths and trusted our preparation, we’d be ready for whatever came our way.” That mindset carried into their play at the ITA Championships, where they faced tough competition from some of the nation’s top programs.
In their opening match, Aguiar and Alcala fell 6–1, 6–3 to Presbyterian’s David Mamalat and Matija Samardzic, but they quickly regrouped in the consolation bracket. The Stags responded by upsetting the third-seeded DePaul tandem 6–4, 6–4 to advance to the semifinals. Their run ended against Belmont’s Sabi Roi and Stefan Vedovelli, who went on to win the consolation doubles title, but the experience was invaluable for both players and the program.
After wrapping up play in San Diego, the duo reflected on the experience and what it meant to represent Fairfield. “Representing Fairfield on the national stage is incredibly exciting and a great opportunity to see where my level stacks up against some of the top programs in the country,” Aguiar said. “It’s also a chance to put Fairfield on the map and give our tennis program some recognition.”
Alcala, meanwhile, embraced the opportunity to test himself early in his college career. “Being in this tournament as a freshman is amazing because it shows me the level I want to reach,” he said. “I came here to give one hundred percent, play to win, and represent Fairfield and the MAAC with pride.”
Both players see this fall as a springboard for bigger things ahead. For Aguiar, it’s a milestone moment in his final season. “It’s honestly the perfect way to finish my last fall season and roll into the spring,” he said. “Going to California to play against some of the best teams in the country is such an amazing opportunity. It’s something I’ve worked for my whole college career up to this point.” He also made sure to highlight the importance of staying focused through the highs and lows. “I try my very best to stay grounded and take each match as a completely different match from the last one,” he said. “It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but I try not to lose track of what got me there in the first place.”
Alcala also credited his teammates and coaches for pushing him to succeed in his first semester as a Stag. “This means a lot because of all the work behind it and all the effort we’ve put in as a team,” he said. “The whole roster pushes each other to be better every day, so this win is for the team. Being one of the players representing Fairfield in this big competition makes me proud and gives me the responsibility to do my best in every moment.”
In just a few short months, Aguiar and Alcala went from an untested pairing to school history makers, capturing Fairfield’s first MAAC doubles title and battling against nationally ranked competition in San Diego. Although their ITA run ended in the consolation semifinals, Aguiar and Alcala showed that Fairfield can compete with some of the best programs in the country. Guided by Aguiar’s leadership and fueled by Alcala’s early promise, the duo built a strong foundation heading into the spring season. For Fairfield men’s tennis, this fall was about more than just winning a championship; it was about proving the program belongs on the national stage.
