For Immediate Release: October 16, 2000
Contact: Bernie Saenz, UTPA Asst. SID

UTPA Closes Stephen F. Austin Tennis Tournament with Titles in Flights 1 & 4

NACOGDOCHES-The University of Texas-Pan American Lady Bronc Tennis wrapped up tournament play with titles in flight “1” and flight “4” singles and second place in flight “5” singles at the Stephen F. Austin Invitational Saturday.

In semi-finals of flight “1”, freshman Celine Merlini faced Vinka Rampen of Louisiana-Lafayette and fell behind in the first set, but battled back to advance to the final by a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.  In the finals, Merlini defeated Arina Urathani of Louisiana-Lafayette by a score of 6-4, 6-2 to capture the flight “1” singles title. 

In flight “4”, senior Sagnite Garcia, captured the singles title by defeating Allison Lui of McNesse State by a score of 6-2, 6-2.

Freshman Alana Breen defeated Benita Bittner of the University of North Texas in a grueling two-hour match by a score of 6-2, 0-6, 7-5 to advance to the finals in flight “5”.  Breen placed second in the flight after losing to Candice Davis of UNT, 7-5, 7-5.

The duo of Merlini and Fernandez defeated Ivette Andrade and Kristen Wooten of Sam Houston State 8-6 to take third place in flight “1” doubles.

The Lady Broncs travel to San Antonio to compete in the UTSA Invitational on October 27-28.