Tuesday, 01/18/2011

Crimson Tide lands three in singles top 75 and two in the doubles top 35

 

SKILLMAN, N.J. – The Alabama women’s tennis team is well represented in the first installment of the Campbell/Intercollegiate Tennis Association College Tennis Rankings in 2011 placing three in the top 75 in singles and a pair of teams in the top 35 in doubles. This marks the first time in Crimson Tide program history to have that many simultaneous rankings.

 

“This is a promising start to our 2011 campaign,” Alabama Head Coach Jenny Mainz said. “Having three players inside the top 75 indicates the talent, depth and capabilities of this team.”

 

Leading the trio of singles representatives is freshman Mary Anne Macfarlane, who comes in at No. 15. Macfarlane had a stellar start to her career at Alabama highlighted by a trip to the USTA/ITA National Indoor Championships, where she advanced to the singles consolation finals. Macfarlane won the Southern Regional Singles Championships in commanding fashion, not dropping a game in her first three matches of the tournament.

 

“I’m encouraged with the inspiring tennis Mary Anne demonstrated this fall,” Mainz said. “She picked up speed as the season progressed and had some impressive wins. Mary Anne’s commitment and ambition have given the Crimson Tide a big boost. Her philosophy is she has 14 spots to climb!”

 

Joining Macfarlane in the singles rankings is sophomore Alexa Guarachi, who comes in at No. 63, and junior Courtney McLane, ranked No. 72. Guarachi advanced to the singles semifinals at the Southern Regional Championships and went 2-1 at the SEC Fall Coaches’ Classic. In addition, she earned a win at the prestigious ITA/Riviera All-American Championships. McLane reached the round of 16 at the Southern Regional Championships and also competed in the qualifying draw at the ITA/Riviera All-American Championships.

 

In doubles, Guarachi and McLane form to make the nation’s No. 6 tandem in just their second season together. The pair reached the semifinals of the USTA/ITA National Indoor Championships and won draws at the Southern Regional Championships and SEC Fall Coaches’ Classic.

 

“Alexa and Courtney are a dynamic doubles duo,” Mainz added. “They’re fun to watch and play with a lot of energy.  They are capable of playing with any team in the country and did a great job of making adjustments this fall to finishing strong. We have high expectations of them leading the team at No. 1 doubles.”

 

Also ranked in doubles is Macfarlane and sophomore Antonia Foehse, who enter the preseason at No. 32. The team advanced to doubles finals at both the SEC Fall Coaches’ Classic and the Duke Fab Four Invitational, posting records of 2-1 at each. In addition, they grabbed a trio of victories at the Southern Regional Championships.

 

“This is a moral victory for Mary Anne and Toni,” Mainz said. “They have gained momentum and have become a very proficient doubles team.  They play with a nice blend of power, craft and precision and can be a very dangerous team.”

 

The 34th-ranked Tide will open its spring schedule at the Florida State University Quad on Jan. 15.