PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. - University of Hawai`i junior Sophie Kobuch opened the women's tennis season at the 2008 Riviera ITA All-American Championships with a loss in the first round of the qualifying draw, Tuesday, at the Riviera Tennis Club.

 

Kobuch, ranked No. 69 in the ITA preaseason rankings, was ousted in a close 7-5, 6-3 match to No. 46 Ela Kaluder of Arkansas.    

 

Kobuch was the first player under head coach Jun Hernandez to participate in the championships, which is the top fall collegiate tournament in the country. The junior earned the invitation to the qualifying round by having an outstanding sophomore season. Kobuch finished the year ranked No. 94 nationally.

 

Last season, Kobuch Kobuch concluded the season on a four match winning streak, earning All-WAC honors in singles and doubles, and finishing 12-10 in dual matches at the No. 1 position. She was ranked nationally for 10 weeks last year.

 

Kobuch and the Rainbow Wahine next host the Rainbow Wahine Invitational beginning on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the UH Tennis Complex.