Dec. 7, 1999

The University of Kentucky women?s tennis team comes in at No. 21 in the nation in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association?s fall rankings.

Despite losing its top three players from a year ago, the Cats moved up one spot from a final ?98-99 ranking of No. 22 after a strong fall showing.

The youthful ?kittens?, which boast just one junior and seven freshmen and sophomores, swept the Purdue Fall Invitational and claimed a pair of doubles crowns at the UK Fall Invitational and Rolex Regional Indoor Championships.

Two Kentucky doubles tandems were also recognized by the ITA, as the duo of Carolina Mayorga and Sarah Witten ranked 23rd and the team of Brooke Skeen and Leigh Bradwell came in at No. 31.

?Although rankings are not the most important indicator of a team?s ability ? especially this early in a season ? it?s a great compliment that we?re ranked as high as we are,? UK Coach Mark Guilbeau said. ?Having lost our top three players from last year?s team, the ranking speaks highly of our returning players and outstanding freshmen. It?s truly a compliment to the hard work and commitment that UK players have shown over the last four years.?

?The doubles rankings are a great plus, too. We place a lot of emphasis on doubles and it?s nice that our players can be honored in this way,? he continued. ?It?s always exciting to be recognized on the national level.?

The tennis Cats kick off their spring season on Jan. 28, when they travel to face in-state rival Louisville in a 10 a.m. dual match.