May 4, 2006
The 4th ranked duo of senior Maja Kovacek and junior Iva Gersic automatically receives All-America status after earning a fourth seed in the NCAA Championship doubles competition today, May 4, 2006. This is the highest seed earned by any New Mexico women’s tennis player in the NCAA Individual Championship.
“For Maja to get into singles and doubles three years in a row,” head coach Kathy Kolankiewicz said, “is just outstanding. Iva is our third All-American ever. It’s just nice to know that Iva and Maja achieved this status after they had such a great year.”
Kovacek has now earned All-America status twice, the first being in 2004 with doubles partner Sandy Lukowski. This is Gersic’s first time to be named to the All-America team. Being ranked 31st in singles also earned Kovacek an at-large bid for the singles competition.
“Right now,” Kolankiewicz said, “our sights are set on the team. Team first and then we’ll get excited about the individuals.”
The Lobo duo of Gersic and Kovacek has been to the NCAA Individual Championship twice. Last year, seeded No. 11, the tandem was defeated in the first round by the 4th seeded UCLA team.