Athletic Report
April 28, 2000

ZIAS MOVE UP TO #13 IN NATIONAL POLL
Claim Highest Ranking in History of Program
PORTALES, NM — The Eastern New Mexico University women’s tennis team has moved up to #13 in the latest NCAA Division II Poll released today by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). It is the highest national ranking ever achieved by the Zias, who were ranked as high as #14 earlier this year. ENMU was ranked #18 in the poll released April 11.

The Zias, who finished second at the LSC Tennis Championships in Wichita Falls, Texas, Apr. 27-28, are 14-4 overall. ENMU lost to top-seeded Abilene Christian, 5-0, in the LSC title match.

The Zias’ .778 winning percentage is the best in school history. Sophomore Layla Turner (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union H.S.) is the #1 singles player for ENMU. She is currently ranked #29 nationally in singles. Turner and doubles partner Julie Stiles (Sr., Roswell, NM/Goddard H.S.) are ranked #12 nationally in doubles.

ENMU, under the guidance of Head Coach Christine Blaeser, has been selected for the NCAA National Tournament for the fourth consecutive season. The Zias will compete in the Midwest Regional at Edmond, Oklahoma, May 5-6.

The Zias’ opening opponent in the Midwest Regional is scheduled to be host Central Oklahoma. Truman State (Mo.) and Northern Kentucky will also meet in the first round. The winner of the four-team Regional will be one of 16 teams advancing to the NCAA Division II National Finals, May 11-14 in Pensacola, Fla.

National Poll