Northwestern University Athletics
ITA Preseason Rankings Released
10/29/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Sept. 12, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - The Omni Hotels College Tennis Rankings administered by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) have been released and three Wildcats are among the nation's ranked players.
Senior Marine Piriou (23), junior Jessica Rush (52) and freshman Cristelle Grier (90) are ranked in the ITA's preseason poll. In addition to the three singles rankings, Piriou and Rush are ranked 17th in the nation in doubles.
In singles last year, Piriou finished with an overall record of 30-15 and was voted the Big Ten's Women's Tennis Player of the Year. The St. Ponce de Leon, France native played No. 1 singles, earning a berth into the NCAA Singles Championship and finished the season ranked 32nd in the nation and No. 1 in the Midwest Region.
Rush, playing at No. 3 a year ago, finished the 2001-02 season with a 30-11 overall record and earned All-Big Ten honors. Rush qualified for the NCAA Doubles Championships with Piriou, finishing the season ranked 31st in doubles and 77th in singles.
Rounding out the Northwestern contingent is freshman Grier.
In doubles, the tandem of Rush and Piriou is ranked 17th after finishing 24-5 last year. The duo advanced to the Round of 32 of the NCAA Championships in 2002.
Overall, the Wildcats return seven letterwinners from the team that went 23-6 last year. The 'Cats will open the 2002-03 season on January 15 when they host intracity rival DePaul. Match time is set for 4 p.m. at the Combe Indoor Tennis Center.
