Blando Brothers To Join Utah Men's Tennis Program

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah men's tennis program has added two transfers to next year's roster, welcoming twin brothers Michael and Jayson Blando to the program. The Blando brothers spent their first two seasons of collegiate play at UC Riverside and will join the Utes this fall.

"We are stoked to add Jay and Mike to our team," said Utah head coach Roeland Brateanu. "They are outstanding young men that believe in doing things the right way. They are tremendously hard workers, both on and off the court, with bright futures ahead of them."

The San Diego natives have been doubles partners throughout their entire careers, and have compiled accolades that include being the 2019 San Diego CIF Doubles Champions and the 2020 Men's Doubles Open Champions at the Tennis La Habra Open. Additionally, the duo defeated Michigan's No. 1 doubles team in the consolations semifinals at the 2019 Pacific Coast Men's Doubles Tournament.

The Blando brothers played as partners at UC Riverside, competing primarily at the No. 3 position as freshmen and sophomores. Notable doubles victories for the duo have come over opponents from UC San Diego, Southern Utah, Weber State and UNLV.

In singles play, Jayson was a four-year starter at Rancho Bernando High School and played at the No. 1 position for singles and doubles in his final two seasons. He defeated the No. 1 seed at the La Jolla Championships to be named the 2020 Men's Open Singles Champion, as well as claiming the men's open singles title at the Panther Open Championships.

Jayson has played primarily between the No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 positions in his two seasons at UC Riverside and has collected 15 wins. He picked up nine wins in his shortened freshman season, and this season, Jayson downed opponents from Hawaii, UNLV, UC Irvine, and UC Santa Barbara to highlight his run.

Michael was also a standout player at Rancho Bernardo High School, playing in the No. 2 singles position behind Jayson and the No. 1 doubles spot. He was voted the most valuable player during his senior and junior year. At UC Riverside, Michael has played between the No. 5 and No. 6 spots during his career in singles action.