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Feb. 19, 1998
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - UNLV's Frank and Vicki Fertitta Tennis Complex will be home to both the men's and women's 1998 NCAA tennis regionals, the school announced Wednesday.
In an unprecedented move, UNLV will host both events during the same week, May 14-17 (men 14-16 and women 15-17). This is the fifth year that the NCAA has employed the regional system but the first time that one school will host both a men's and women's tournament at the same time.
"We were awarded both tournaments because of our outstanding track record," UNLV Director of Tennis Larry Easley said. "People have been happy with our events in the last few years. Our administration is behind us all the way and we have good support systems down the line from operations to athletic training to communications to hospitality. We had bid for both (men and women) this season to show the NCAA that we could handle a bigger tournament. We're setting the groundwork for a future NCAA championship finals here."
The tournament will feature eight men's and eight women's teams from around the west. The single-elimination format has matches running all day on Fertitta's 12 varsity courts culminating in a championship final. The men's winner moves on to the NCAA Championships in Athens, Ga., while the women's titlist heads to the finals at South Bend, Ind.
UNLV's men's team has qualified for all four previous events. Last year the Rebels reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Fresno State, 4-3. The UNLV women's team has been to two consecutive regional events but both were held at California schools and the Lady Rebels did not advance past the first match.
"Playing in Las Vegas this year will definitely give us a better shot," UNLV women's head coach Ola Malmqvist said. "First we have to make it in, however. Our region is by far the toughest in the country but we feel we can compete with anyone on our courts."
In addition to the last two men's regionals, the 2,000-seat Fertitta was home to last fall's massive Rolex qualifying tournament. The school's designated tournament director said that UNLV has become known in the collegiate tennis community as a top-notch host.
"We've made a conscious effort (the last two years) to make the visiting teams' stay in Las Vegas as pleasant as possible," UNLV Assistant Athletic Director for Administration Tom Gabbard said. "The Fertitta Complex not only has the basic courts but all the amenities needed to put on a first-rate tournament. Also, it's a great event for the fans because the quality of tennis is outstanding and there are great viewing points all over the stadium."
Tickets are now on sale through the Thomas & Mack Center ticket office. Prices are $5 general admission, $3 for students and all-tournament passes are available for $20. Call 895-UNLV for more information.
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