No. 24 Women's Tennis Hosts No. 45 Illinois

Jan. 17, 2003

CORAL GABLES, Fla.-The No. 24-ranked Miami women’s tennis team will open the 2003 season hosting No. 45 Illinois Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center located on the UM campus.

The Hurricanes look to extend their 10-match home winning streak dating back to last season. Miami won all 10 home matches in 2002; the last time the Hurricanes lost at home was to then No. 7 Notre Dame on April 22, 2001.

The Hurricanes swept Broward Community College, 7-0, in an exhibition match Friday night.

The Hurricanes have three players ranked in the top 100 as voted by the ITA National Ranking Committee, including No. 2 Megan Bradley, No. 57 junior Mari Toro and No. 92 freshman Melissa Applebaum.

Additionally, sophomore Staci Stevens was ranked No. 125 in the country in a four-way tie.

Bradley a transfer from UCLA was an All-American tennis player her freshman season with the Bruins. She earned All-American status in both singles and doubles and was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s National Rookie of the Year.

Toro finished the 2001-02 season with a team-best 22-9 record at the No.1 position, while

Stevens compiled an impressive 22-11 mark at the No. 3 singles spot.

Miami finished last season ranked No. 32 in the nation with a 14-7 overall record.

In honor of the women’s home opener, the team would like to invite you out to the Neil Schiff Tennis Center for “Tailgate Tennis”. Come out at 5 p.m. for free food and refreshments followed by a night full of tennis action.