Jan. 4, 2011

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV women's tennis team earned the third-highest preseason ranking in program history and the highest since 2003, coming in at No. 29 in the Campbell/ITA College Tennis Rankings that were released Tuesday.

The Lady Rebels, who finished 22-5 overall and ranked 30th last season, were only voted higher before a season in 2003 (17th) and 1998 (27th).

Head coach Kevin Cory's squad also boasted a ranked singles player and two ranked doubles teams. True freshman Lucia Batta, who compiled a 13-3 record during tournament play in the fall season, is now ranked 41st in singles. She is also ranked 48th in doubles with her partner, senior Anna Maskaljun. Another pair of Rebel seniors, Jana Albers and Adrienn Hidvegi, is ranked 58th.

The UNLV women open play this semester by hosting their annual Freeman Memorial Classic tournament at the Fertitta Tennis Complex from Jan. 14-16. Dual-match action begins with a home match vs. New Mexico State on Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. Admission to all UNLV tennis matches is free of charge.