For Immediate Release: October 5, 2001
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations (956) 381-2240

MERLINI ADVANCES IN FIRST ROUND AT RICE

HOUSTON, TX –Celine Merlini of the University of Texas-Pan American women’s tennis team advanced in first round play at the rain-delayed Rice Tennis Classic at Jake Hess Tennis Stadium Friday.

In flight A, Merlini defeated Adrian Lopez of Arkansas, 6-7, 7-6, 6-1, advancing to the second round.

Six other Lady Broncs dropped their first round matches. In flight B singles action, Elisabet Mateos lost to Megan Ferreira of Arkansas, 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, and Kathryn Waslen fell to Iliana Pacheco of the Lady Razorbacks, 6-2, 6-0. .

In flight C singles, Ana Pena of the Lady Broncs lost to Jen Baccarani, who was playing unattached, 6-0, 6-1. Alana Breen fell to Elisa Bjorklund of Texas-El Paso, 6-2, 6-0. Jessica Brown lost to Andrea Rose of Minnesota, 6-0, 6-0. Eve Nickelson fell to Adi Boykova of UTEP, 6-2, 6-4.

The doubles were delayed by rain.

The tournament will continue Saturday and conclude Sunday.

##WTRICE-100501 ##