May 15, 1998

LAS VEGAS - Host UNLV earned four three-set victories en route to defeating Washington State 5-1 in the first round of the NCAA women's tennis regional being played at the Fertitta Tennis Complex Friday.

The Lady Rebels, seeded fourth and ranked 30th, evened their record at 12-12 with what was their first-ever NCAA post-season victory. The unseeded Cougars, ranked 58th, finished their season at 10-10 after competing in their first NCAA tournament action.

UNLV got victories from Gee Gee Garvin, Veronica Goude, Lisa Annebro, Britta Gabl and Marie Linusson. Doubles play was cancelled.

"We played hard, if not well," UNLV Head Coach Ola Malmqvist said. "It was a quality win and we need the rest that comes from not playing doubles today. We have nothing to lose in the semifinals so I hope we go for it."

WSU got its one point from a win by Patrycja Gajdzik at the second position.

"UNLV played a good match, you have to give them credit," WSU Head Coach Cari Groce said. "We pushed them in a corner in a couple close matches but they held their focus when they needed to. Give credit to Ola and his team."

The Lady Rebels advance to Saturday's semifinal against top-seeded Pepperdine, which was a 5-0 winner over Fresno State Friday. USC plays San Diego State in the other women's semifinal.

1998 NCAA WEST REGION WOMEN'S TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP--QUARTERFINALSUNLV 5, WASHINGTON STATE 1At Fertitta Tennis Complex, Las Vegas
SINGLES-1.  Gee Gee Garvin (UNLV) def. Tunde Nagy (WSU)     7-5, 4-6, 6-42.  Patrycja Gajdzik (WSU) def. Susie Kocsis (UNLV)     7-5, 6-03.  Veronica Goude (UNLV) def. Erica Perkins (WSU)      6-3, 4-6, 6-44.  Lisa Annebro (UNLV) def. Andrea Reisz (WSU)     7-5, 6-35.  Britta Gabl (UNLV) def. Melissa Pine (WSU)      2-6, 6-2, 6-16.  Marie Linusson (UNLV) def. Tamara Filipovic (WSU)   6-3, 0-6, 6-4*    *clinching matchDOUBLES-Cancelled