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Rebels Enjoy Net Gain After MWC Title
By Jeff Wollard, Las Vegas Review-Journal
May 4, 2000
The UNLV women's tennis team made a statement last weekend by defeating Utah, San Diego State and Brigham Young to win the inaugural Mountain West Conference Championships at the Fertitta Tennis Complex. Winning a conference tournament ordinarily is a sure way to get into the NCAA Regional Championships, but because the MWC is not being awarded an automatic bid this year, the Rebels' postseason fate is in the hands of the NCAA Selection Committee. UNLV coach Kevin Cory, who is awaiting today's 12:30 p.m. selection announcement, said his squad deserves to be invited to the West Regional, May 12-14 at the home of the tournament's top seed. "I definitely think we deserve to be in," said Cory, whose team struggled with consistency before finding a groove in the final month. "But you never know the mind-set the committee will be in when they make the selections." The Rebels, ranked 65th at 15-9, finished the regular season with five successive victories, including three over ranked teams. That should lift them in the rankings, but Cory still is uncertain whether it will be enough. "I really think we're in," said Cory, who noted that 64 teams will be invited. "But the committee does tend to favor the stronger conferences." Katarina Malec, UNLV's No. 1 singles player, should earn a bid. She was ranked 28th in the nation before winning three straight last weekend to claim the conference title and MWC Player of the Year honors. Cory said Malec is capable of going deep into the tournament. "Certainly her goal is to become an All-American," Cory said. "But that depends on what type of draw she gets. There are maybe three or four players who she could have a tough time beating. Beyond that, she's capable of beating anyone." Malec said she already is feeling the pressure associated with her first NCAA Championship appearance. "People expect you to win at this point," the senior said. "But I like to play under pressure. It makes me play better." Malec and partner Marianne Bakken should get a bid at No. 1 doubles. They are ranked 28th at 24-3. Malec and Bakken proved they could play with the best when they defeated top-ranked Zuzana Lesenarova and Katarina Valkyova of San Diego last month. "We've got one of the premier doubles teams in the country," Cory said. "And beating the No. 1 team gave us confidence. I like our chances. On the right day, we're capable of beating anybody." If the rest of the team is invited to the regionals, Cory said each match will be approached with an underdog mentality. "At this point we have nothing to lose," he said. "All the pressure is on the teams we play." Regardless of the outcome, Cory said the Rebels have ensured a bright future for the program. "Last weekend was very significant for our team in terms of recruiting," the first-year coach said. "The fact that we won the championship really gives me something to brag about."
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