Oct. 24, 2003

SAN DIEGO - UNLV finished a strong 5-2 in singles play after the first day of main-draw action at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Women's West Regional being played on the campus of San Diego State.

"Considering this is one of, if not the, toughest regions in the nation, I am very pleased with our first day's effort," UNLV head coach Kevin Cory said. "This was a very successful day against great competition."

Winning twice for the Lady Rebels was Gyorgyi Zsiros, who eased by Melissa Esmero of USC 6-2, 6-0 and then rallied past Nicole Bouiffler of Long Beach State 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Joining Zsiros with a 2-0 day was Anne Claire Ortiz Luis, who swept Claudia Argumedo of UC Santa Barbara 6-2, 6-4 and then got by Merve Asimgil of Pepperdine 3-6, 7-6, 6-3.

Earlier, Claire Smith won her first match of the day, 6-2, 6-4 over Ana Jatijasevic of Cal State Northridge, before falling in the quarterfinals. Also, sophomore Cindy Treber was a first-round loser, 6-0, 3-6, 6-2 to Carine Vermeulen of USC.

The competition heats up in Saturday's round of 16 as Zsiros will face top-seeded Jackie Carlton of UCLA while Ortiz Luis will take on second-seeded Luana Magnani of USC.

In doubles play, UNLV split its two matches. The team of Zsiros and Cindy Treber downed Bernadette Bayani and Melissa Esmero of USC 8-6 to advance to Saturday's round of 16.