March 29, 2007

LAS VEGAS - UNLV women's tennis standout Elena Gantcheva earned her program-record-tying fourth career Mountain West Conference Player of the Week honor, the league announced.

The native of Sofia, Bulgaria, shared the award with San Diego State's Eliska Krausova.

Gantcheva posted a perfect opening weekend of MWC play in leading her team to victories over Wyoming, Colorado State and Air Force. The junior did not lose a set en route to a 6-0 combined mark at the No. 1 position in singles and doubles, teaming with freshman Kristina Nedeltcheva for the three doubles victories.

Gantcheva's victories improved her career record to 77-23, which moved her past Janelle Barr (1991-94) into sixth place on the school's all-time singles victories list.

Gantcheva is the third UNLV women's player to earn the weekly award this season, following Claire Smith and Nedeltcheva. Gantcheva also won the award twice in 2006 and once in 2005. She has moved into a tie with former Lady Rebels Paulina Janus and Katarina Malec for most career conference player-of-the-week honors.