January 17, 1999

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Kentucky women’s tennis player Carolina Mayorga came up just short in the finals of the First Federal/Fighting Illini Invitational, falling 6-3, 6-2 to Simone Kung of the University of Illinois.

Mayorga, playing in her first collegiate event, ousted Manisha Patel of Louisville, Carla Rosenberg of Illinois and Ana Friganovic of New Mexico en route to the finals.

Mayorga teamed with fellow Cat Jackie Spicijaric in doubles, and the pair advanced to the consolation finals before falling 8-5 to Aimee Hites and Dominika Gerwin of New Mexico.

Head coach Mark Guilbeau was extremely happy with Mayorga’s play and said, “Carolina’s play was just outstanding. For a player competing in her first tournament, this is the best showing we’ve had since I’ve been at Kentucky.”

Mayorga and her fellow tennis Cats will return to the courts Jan. 22-25, when they travel to Athens, Ga., for the University of Georgia Invitational.