LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's and women's tennis programs both earned recognition in the latest national rankings, with the Tiger women moving to No. 4 in the country while the men's team comes in at No. 31.
The UWA women continue to establish themselves among the nation's elite, backed by a strong 41-22 overall singles record and a 21-12 mark in doubles play this season.
Individually, Shaira Rivera climbed to No. 15 in the latest singles rankings after compiling a 7-5 overall record, including a 2-2 mark against nationally ranked opponents. Rivera has primarily held down the No. 1 position in the lineup and enters the week on a one-match winning streak.
Alexa Milliam is ranked No. 18 nationally in singles play. Milliam holds a combined 2-6 record across dual matches this spring, including a win over a ranked opponent. She has competed primarily at the No. 2 position and continues to be a key contributor in the Tigers' lineup.
The duo of Rivera and Milliam has also earned national recognition in doubles, coming in at No. 13 in the latest rankings. The pair has posted an impressive 5-1 overall record together in dual play, including a 1-0 mark in Gulf South Conference action.
West Alabama has also seen strong performances throughout the lineup, highlighted by Jenaila Prulla's perfect 9-0 record in singles play and Nanoka Kazama's 8-1 mark, including a seven-match winning streak. The Tigers' depth has played a major role in the team's rise back into the top five nationally.
On the men's side, UWA enters the rankings at No. 31 nationally as the Tigers continue to build momentum early in the season.
Individually, Matias Iturbe is ranked No. 23 in the nation in singles. Although he has not yet competed during the spring season, Iturbe earned his ranking after posting a 5-3 record during fall tournament play.
The Tigers have also received some doubles recognition for Jacob Tapia and Federico Iturbe being ranked at 30 as a pair.
West Alabama will look to continue climbing in the national rankings as both programs move deeper into Gulf South Conference play in the coming weeks.
