RELATED LINKS: Women's Tennis ITA Rankings | Men's Tennis ITA Rankings
TEMPE, Ariz. - The University of West Alabama women's tennis team moved to No. 11 in the latest ITA Division II team rankings, announced by the coaches organization on Wednesday, March 6.
The Tigers went 1-2 against Lone Star crossover competition, defeating Texas Tyler 5-2 on Saturday morning. The women now stand at 5-4 on the season.
"I expected to see the computer drop the women as a team after the losses last weekend. We hit an extreme high with the results at national indoors but came out physically beat up," said head coach Jeff Beaman.
Hardija Vidnere and Shaira Rivera received recognition for their exceptional doubles play, coming in at No. 13 in the initial ITA doubles rankings. The duo is 6-1 so far on the 2024 campaign.
"Shaira and Hardija have started the spring with some big wins in doubles," said Beaman.
Graduate transfer Khim Iglupas received high praise from Beaman as well, earning a No. 13 ranking in singles competition with a 6-1 record thus far.
"Khim has come in and made an immediate impact, beating some of the top players in Division II," said Beaman.
As for the men, Lucas Hammond was ranked in the top 65 singles players by the ITA., recording a 2-4 record.
"It is nice to see Lucas in the rankings. He has always been very strong at doubles but has put a lot of work into his singles and is playing at the top of our lineup and getting some strong results," said Beaman.
Both the men's and women's teams will travel to Chattanooga Friday afternoon to take on North Georgia in a rescheduled contest from February. The first serve is set for 4 p.m. CST. UWA's home opener will take place on Sunday when West Florida comes to town for a 10 a.m. start.
