Jan. 29, 2003

LAS VEGAS - UNLV's Tracie Chong has been named the Mountain West Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week for the first time in her career, the league announced Wednesday.

The sophomore from Honolulu, Hawaii, is the league's first honoree of the season after going 4-1 and winning the consolation bracket at last week's Collegiate Tennis Kickoff Classic, which was held on her own campus.

Chong improved to 10-4 in tournament play this season by downing opponents from powerful programs such as Georgia and Florida and defeating Crystal Cleveland of Tennessee, 6-1, 6-4, in the consolation final.

UNLV opens its dual-match season by hosting three matches this weekend, starting with New Mexico State Friday at 2 p.m. at the Fertitta Tennis Complex. There is no admission charge to any UNLV men's and women's home tennis matches.