HONOLULU --
The University of Hawai`i women's tennis team (8-8, 2-2 Big West) jumped back into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings at No. 68 after a solid week in central California and Las Vegas winning three out of their four matches--including a huge win against then No. 66 Illinois, 4-1. It was UH's second win over a ranked opponent after the 'Bows defeated No. 29 Kentucky earlier this season. The Rainbow Wahine are currently back in California to play against former Western Athletic Conference rival No. 55 San Jose State (Apr. 2) and then they will conclude their 17-day road trip against Big West opponent, UC Davis (Apr. 4).
Hawai'i had been ranked in the ITA for eight straight weeks from Jan. 20-Mar. 17 rising as high as No. 48 (Feb. 24). After dropping out of the polls last week, UH's strong performance on the road buoyed the 'Bows back into the rankings at No. 68.The `Bows' most recent match was against UNLV where they cruised past the Rebels, 6-1. UH had a terrific start winning the doubles matches on the No. 1 and No. 2 court to clinch the point. In singles, the `Bows won five out of the six singles where senior Rebecca Faltusz clinched the match, winning against UNLV's Bojana Petrovic in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.
Sophomore Cindy Nguyen won all four of her No. 1 singles matches on the road this past week against Cal Poly, No. 66 Illinois, No. 68 UC Santa Barbara and UNLV. Nguyen has now won five straight matches and 11 of her last 12 matches to lead Hawai'I with a 12-4 dual match record. Three of her four singles wins were in straight sets with dominant wins over Louise Oxnevad (Cal Poly: 6-0, 6-4); Jamiee Gilbertson (UCSB: 6-2, 6-2); and Santa Shumilina (UNLV: 6-2, 6-2). Her only three-set match came against Illinois' Alexis Casati, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. In doubles, Nguyen also fared well winning 2-of-3 matches that went the distance. With new doubles partner Rebecca Faltusz, the pair went 2-1 in No. 2 doubles matches. The duo played on the No. 2 court for all three matches and lost 6-1 against Illinois, but bounced back with an 8-2 win over Melissa Baker and Luisa Ortiz of UCSB and a 6-1. Nguyen and Faltusz also defeated UNLV's A. Ferenczi-Bako and Lopez Valez, 6-1.
San Jose State is currently ranked No. 55 in the nation with a 9-6 overall record. The Spartans are led by freshman Malin Cubukcu with 10 singles wins. In San Jose State's most recent match, the Spartans defeated the Aztecs, 6-1.
UC Davis is currently 8-10 in 2015. The Aggies are led by Frederique Sleiffer with 13 singles win and 12 doubles wins. UC Davis has won their last three home matches--most recently edging out Montana, 4-3. With the conference season winding down, UC Davis is 3-4 in the BWC while UH is at 3-3. Hawai'i will have one more conference match before the Big West tournament against CSUN on Apr. 19.
Match Information:
Who: No. 55 San Jose State
When: Thursday, Apr. 2
Time: 1:30 p.m. (PT)
Site: Spartan Courts - San Jose, Calif.
Who: UC Davis
When: Saturday, Apr. 4
Time: 11:00 a.m. (PT)
Site: Marya Welch Tennis Center - Davis, Calif.
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