Dec. 28, 2007

LAS VEGAS - UNLV's top women's players were well represented in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's recently released Fila Collegiate Fall Regional Rankings.

The Lady Rebels boasted what is believed to be the most total representatives in UNLV history with six combined singles players and doubles teams in the West Region, which is generally considered one of the toughest in the nation.

Leading the way once again is two-time Mountain West Conference Player of the Year Elena Gantcheva who is No. 3 regionally heading into her final spring season. The 2006 All-American turned in an impressive 9-4 singles mark during this fall's tournament schedule.

Sophomore Kristina Nedeltcheva, who went 2-1 in limited play during the autumn, is next up for the Lady Rebels at No. 21. Freshman Anna Maskaljun, who went 7-1 in her first collegiate semester, is No. 29 while junior Nikol Dimitrova (5-2) rounded out the 30-player list in the final position.

In doubles play, Gantcheva and Nedeltcheva (3-3), who in September shattered the school record for highest preseason national ranking at No. 5, sit at No. 3 regionally heading into spring. Also, Maskaljun and her partner, Long Beach State transfer Katy Williams (4-1), are at No. 15.

National rankings for team and individuals will be released by the ITA on January 8.

The Lady Rebels open their 2008 season by hosting a final individual tournament -- the Freeman Memorial -- on Jan. 11-13.