Pfennig Skyrockets in First Computerized ITA Rankings

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The ITA released Wednesday its initial computer-generated rankings of the 2021 campaign, as well as its first updated singles and doubles lists of the year.

The University of Miami women’s tennis team placed two individuals in the top 35 in singles, two pairs in the top 40 in doubles and earned a season-high ranking as a team.

Freshman Isabella Pfennig proved to be the biggest mover for the Hurricanes, as she went from unranked in the preseason singles rankings up to No. 34 nationally. The Gauting, Germany, native is 10-2 on the year, including 6-2 at the No. 2 spot and 1-0 at the No. 3 position.

Joining her on the singles list is fifth-year senior Estela Perez-Somarriba, who checks in at No. 10 in the country. The Madrid native—one of seven ACC players in the top 12—earned a top-10 spot for the 26th consecutive time, dating back to March 20, 2018. She is 10-2 this spring, with both setbacks on the road against players currently ranked in the top three.

In doubles, Perez-Somarriba and Pfennig went from unranked to No. 22 overall. It marked a career-best doubles rankings for Perez-Somarriba—11 spots above her prior top position—and the first time Pfennig has been featured on the list.

Additionally, second-year freshman Diana Khodan and Maya Tahan debuted at No. 37 on the ITA doubles list. It is the first time either player has been ranked in singles or doubles as a collegian.

As a team, Miami (8-5, 5-3 ACC) ascended six spots to No. 29 in the ITA rankings, one place above their previous top mark of the year. The Hurricanes are one of eight teams from the ACC ranked in the top 30.

Miami resumes its seven-match homestand this weekend, first hosting No. 26 Wake Forest Friday at 11 a.m. at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.

To keep up with the University of Miami women’s tennis team on social media, follow @CanesWTennis on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.