March 21, 2003

The Siena College women's tennis team made its debut this week on the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's (ITA) list of the top-75 collegiate tennis programs in the country. The Saints are currently ranked 71st nationally among NCAA Division I schools. It marks the first time a Siena College tennis program, men's or women's, has been ranked by the ITA nationally or regionally.

The women, who completed their fall season with a 5-2 record, just returned from a spring break trip to Florida where they went 4-0. Included in the Florida wins were two against top-10 NJCAA teams, Hillsborough and Pasco-Hernando.

The Saints are led by their senior standout, Nikki Mayer who is currently ranked 99th in Division I by the ITA. Mayer, the holder of more than 17 Siena season and career records, has been the team's #1 player during all of her four years at the Loudonville, NY school. The three time Most Valuable Player presently sports a 10-2 record at the top singles spot.

Also contributing to the team's rise from conference cellar dwellers (last place finishers in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference from 1996 to 2000) is senior, co-captain Eileen Gallocher (2000-01 Most Improved Player), juniors Andrea Disponzio (2000-01 Rookie of the Year) and Betsy Brookins (2001-02 Most Improved Player) and 2001-02 Rookie of The Year, Brooke Fisher.

However, it has been the exceptional performance of three freshmen, Rali Hristova (10-1), Denisa Hluchova (9-2), and Meghan Slenkamp (5-3) that has propelled the Saints to their present national ranking.