Oct. 19, 2006

FORT WORTH, Texas - The TCU women's tennis team got off to a strong start Friday in its opening day of the 2006 Wilson/ITA Southwest Regional. The Frogs, who along with the men are hosting the regionals, recorded two doubles victories and one consolation singles win.

"It was a great start to the tournament today," said TCU interim head coach Jefferson Hammond. "Our focus and intensity was good and I felt very happy about the effort from our players."

The Lady Frogs dominated in doubles action as the Melissa Beré and Karine Ionesco duo overpowered Rice's Jennifer Pan and Veronica Sagastequi, 8-4, in the first round of the doubles main draw. In addition, Nina Munch-Soegaard and Kewa Nichols, the No. 15 seed, defeated D'Ondra McGee and Neila Starrett of Houston, 8-1, in the Round of 64.

TCU's top-seeded pair of Ana Cetnik and Anna Sydorska, ranked No. 24 in the nation and the No. 2 overall seed, received a first round bye and will start competition on Friday.

"I was extremely happy with doubles play," said Hammond. "I thought we executed well and did the things we have been working on in practice."

Hammond said he was extra pleased that Munch-Soegaard, a freshman from Amarillo, Texas, picked up her first collegiate win.

"I am so excited for Nina as she played the first collegiate match of her career today and won. It was a good day for the Frogs."

Tournament play will continue on Friday. Check the tournament page to view the entire page of results and updated draws as they are made available.