TEMPE, Ariz. – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) released the Division III West Region Women's Tennis Rankings for the West Region, Wednesday morning, and the Cal Lutheran Regals land in the No. 14 spot.
Currently in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), the Regals are No. 5, with a record of 13-5 overall, and 2-3 in conference. This is the first time the Regals have entered the rankings this season, and the first time in the West Region since the week of March 30, 2017.
Head coach Mike Gennette expressed, "the regional ranking is a stepping stone and it's not everything, but it does give us feedback that we're on the right track. Seeing the numbers should inspire them to feel like there's something tangible that they can work on and improve."
Speaking on the season, senior Christie Kurdys said. "It means a lot for us to be recognized in this manner because it validates all the hard work we have put in this past fall and during season. It's a great accomplishment and I'm glad to be a part of it. This will motivate us to continue to work hard."
Along with the Regals as a whole, two Regals individuals are ranked in the top-25 in the West Region. Freshman Lilijana Peters-Semak is ranked No. 16 and Kurdys is ranked No. 24.
"Being ranked is like a dream. To have something like that my freshman year of college is awesome," said Semak, "It's a great environment and that's why I've been able to thrive."
Regals team captain Kurdys said, "It feels awesome to be ranked alongside the top girls in SCIAC! I've won awards before, but it's always a different feeling seeing your name up there in the rankings. All that hard work paid off!
Gennette looks to the future, "I'm looking for that 14 to turn into a national ranking next season."
Aiming to continue rising in the rankings, the Regals play the Chapman Panthers, Friday, April 19, at 3 PM PST, for their last home matchup of the season, and Senior Night.
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Release by Kristen Swanson, Sports Information Student Assistant
