Press Release

Dec. 8, 2004

Northwest Men and Women Recognized in ITA National and Regional Polls

MARYVILLE, Mo. -- The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced its 2004 preseason rankings Nov. 16 and Northwest Missouri State University was represented well on the team and individual lists. On the women's side, the Bearcats were No. 26 in the national poll and No. 2 in the North Central Region poll. The men sit No. 3 in the regional chart and placed three individuals in the regional rankings.

"Preseason rankings do not mean that much but rather it is where you are at the end of the season," said head coach Mark Rosewell. "But it is a good sign to be where we are and a good starting point. (Gena) Lindsey's ranking (26th nationally) is a good spot for her. I think the top-20 get All-America honors at the end of the season so it is something for her to work towards."

Lindsey holds the top singles spot in the North Central Region and teams up with Erica Ramirez to form the No. 1 doubles in the region. For the men, Pablo Acebedo (No. 4), Chris Smith (No. 5) and Enrique Tomaz (No. 14) fill out the top-15 singles rankings in the region. Acebedo and Smith are No. 5 for doubles play in the region.

For additional information on the rankings, please visit www.itatennis.com/

The Bearcats open up 2004-05 play with a trip to Metro State (Colo.), March 3. The home portion begins Mar. 8 for the men while both squads are in Maryville, Mo., Mar. 11.

Women's Tennis Rankings (Nov. 16)
National Team Rankings
1. BYU-Hawaii
2. Armstrong Atlantic
3. Lynn
....
25. Washburn
26. Northwest Missouri State
27. St. Edwards

Northwest Singles on the National List
26. Gena Lindsey

Northwest Doubles on the National List
22. Gena Lindsey / Erica Ramirez

North Central Region Team Rankings
1. Washburn
2. Northwest Missouri State
3. North Dakota
4. Missouri Southern
5. Truman State
6. Emporia State
7. Colorado State - Pueblo
8. Fort Hays State
9. Southwest Baptist
10. Nebraska-Kearney

Northwest Singles in the North Central Region
1. Gena Lindsey
12. Erica Ramirez

Northwest Doubles in the North Central Region
1. Gena Lindsey / Erica Ramirez

Men's Tennis Rankings (Nov. 16)
North Central Region Team Rankings
1. Southwest Baptist
2. Washburn
3. Northwest Missouri State
4. Nebraska-Kearney
5. Colorado School of Mines
6. Truman State
7. St. Cloud State
8. Colorado State - Pueblo
9. Colorado Springs
10. Metropolitan State

Northwest Singles in the North Central Region
4. Pablo Acebedo
5. Chris Smith
14. Enrique Tomaz

Northwest Doubles in the North Central Region
5. Pablo Acebedo/Chris Smith