Two Women's Tennis Players Earn Pre-Season Rankings
9/14/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
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The Intercollegiate Tennis Association released its pre-season rankings Saturday and it includes Alabama Tennis’ Robin Stephenson and Ashley Bentley in two of the highest rankings in school history.
Stephenson, coming off a 2003-04 season where she compiled a 22-12 record and fought her way into the second round of the NCAA tournament, has earned the highest individual ranking in the history of the Alabama’s women’s program at No. 16. Bentley also finds herself in the individual rankings at No. 49 nationally. Last year, Bentley was a pleasant surprise for her team. She began the year at the No. 5 singles position and finished the season as the team’s No. 2 player with a 21-4 record and a berth into the NCAA singles draw.
“This is tremendous news for our women’s tennis program,” said head coach Jenny Mainz, “and I think it is really encouraging. We have to realize it is just a pre-season ranking, but it gives us a shot of momentum heading into the season.”
Together on the doubles court however, is where Stephenson and Bentley might make the most news this season. The ITA rankings have the doubles duo ranked No. 6 in the nation, the highest ranking of any kind in Alabama tennis history. Last year Stephenson and Bentley combined for a 23-8 doubles record and together they have won over 40 matches in two years.
“These rankings are a tribute to their stellar season last year and hard work this summer,” said Mainz. “This really helps our team. Even though these are individual rankings, this gives our team momentum and is a positive step forward that we can build on.”
Stephenson and Bentley have also received invitations to play doubles in the prestigious Riviera/ITA All-American Championships. The tournament is the premier hard court event of the fall collegiate season and will feature the top players in the NCAA. Stephenson has already qualified for the tournament’s main draw in singles as well and Bentley will play in the qualifying draw.
“They will get the chance to see the best players college tennis has to offer,” says Mainz. “It’s an elite tournament and a great opportunity to play against national competition early.”
