April 28, 2004

LAS VEGAS - Just a year after posting its worst record in school history, including going winless in league play, the rejuvenated UNLV men's tennis team is looking forward to this weekend's Mountain West Conference tournament in San Diego, which begins Thursday.

Under first-year head coach, Owen Hambrook, the Rebels have turned a 2-14 2003 record into a 12-6 slate and a 0-7 mark vs. MWC teams into a 3-1 record this spring.

Also, UNLV's upset victory over San Diego State on April 4 powered it to a second seeding. The Rebels, along with top-seeded New Mexico, will enjoy a first-round bye. UNLV will face the winner of homestanding SDSU vs. Air Force while the Lobos will take on the winner of BYU vs. Utah in Friday's semifinal action.

All matches will be held at the Barnes Tennis Center and the championship is scheduled for Saturday. The winner receives an automatic bid to the 2004 NCAA Tennis Championships.

2004 MWC MEN'S TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP SEEDINGSAt Barnes Tennis Center, San Diego, CAApril 29-May 1
SD  TEAM (MWC RECORD)1.  New Mexico (5-0)2.  UNLV (3-1)3.  San Diego State (2-2)4.  BYU (2-2)5.  Utah (1-3)6.  Air Force (0-5)Note: UNM and UNLV receive first-round byes