Jacket Tennis to Compete in PacWest Conference Championships (Apr. 19, 2005)

BILLINGS, MT – After playing a difficult competition schedule against many Division I institutions, the Montana State University-Billings men’s and women’s tennis teams will compete at the PacWest Conference Championships April 21-23 in Laie, Hawaii.

Host team BYU-Hawaii women have won 112 straight dual matches and are the favorite to win the conference title.  According to ITA rankings, BYU-Hawaii holds the top two spots in singles play nationally for Division II and the first position in doubles.  Western region rankings place the Seasiders in the top four positions.

Other PacWest Conference teams in attendance include Western New Mexico, Hawaii-Pacific, Hawaii-Hilo and Chaminade.

“Both the men and women have worked very hard this year,” said head coach Jerry Peach.  “The team’s efforts have resulted in good improvement.  I am confident we will finish the year with good team play.  The men’s team is very much a veteran squad and the women’s team features many freshman players.  Both teams will, however, play well.”

In addition to PacWest play, the Yellowjacket men and women will play matches against Hawaii-Hilo and Chaminade on Tuesday, April 19, and BYU-Hawaii and Hawaii-Pacific on Wednesday, April 20.

Possible men’s line-up                       Possible women’s line-up
1. Paco Sanchez                                 1. Brianne Roney
2. Sergio Diaz                                     2. Becky Fry
3. Ryan Smith                                     3. Margot Merrill-Johnson
4. Kellen Malone                                  4. Nikki Byrnes
5. Sean O’Daniel                                  5. Heidi Lehman
6. Seth Maristuen                                6. Marta Borges

1. Smith/Diaz                                      1. Roney/Tia Smith
2. Malone/Brian Kasid                           2. Fry/Merrill-Johnson
3. Sanchez/O’Daniel                             3. Byrnes/Lehman