University of Houston Athletics
Cougars Play Host to Abilene Christian
1/27/2017 12:00:00 AM | Tennis
HOUSTON â€" The Houston Cougar Women's Tennis team returns to action at 2 p.m., Saturday, when it hosts Abilene Christian at the Barbara Wallace Winston Tennis Facility. A special dedication ceremony for Barbara Wallace Winston will be held prior to Saturday's contest.
"Because of my love for tennis and the importance it played in my life, I am happy to help make the necessary improvements to the tennis facility," Barbara Wallace Winston said. "Some of my best friendships and memories were made on the tennis court and through tennis. I had a good time playing tennis, and I hope those who will play here in the future will have the same experience."
The Cougars will honor her tremendous gift as part of a ceremony prior to the match. Members of the family as well as entities who played a key role in the renovations of the court will be in attendance for the dedication.
ABOUT THE COUGARS
Houston enters play on Saturday with a 1-1 record after falling to UT Arlington 4-2 in the season opener and then rebounding later in the afternoon to sweep Prairie View A&M 4-0.
The Cougars were led by freshmen Constandena Nicolaou and Cristina Rovira, who each swept their opening day matches. Against UTA, Nicolaou defeated Valeria Lopez 6-2, 6-4 before defeating Timara Maxwell from Prairie View 6-1, 6-0. Playing on court four against the Mavericks, Rovira bested Jessica Birowski 6-4, 7-5 and then beat PVAMU's Stacy Lackey 6-1, 6-0.
The duos of Rovira and Sveva Mazzari and Tsveta Dimitrova and Lauren Alter each went 1-1 in doubles play on the weekend. Rovira and Mazzari fell 6-3 to Astrid Gehre and Anna Wichert of UTA before defeating Maxwell and Randolph of Prairie View 6-1. Alter and Dimitrova dropped their doubles match against the Mavericks' Angeles de los Rios and Agustina Serio 6-0, but rebounded to win 6-1 over Neharika Rama and Shaddae Findley.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Abilene Christian also opened the season 1-1 with a 6-0 loss to TCU, before coming back to beat UTEP 4-3. ACU dropped each of its doubles competitions but picked up singles wins from Erin Walker, Sarah Adams, Jordan Henry and Autumn Crossnoe in singles play.
The Wildcats will face Prairie View A&M prior to meeting the Cougars on Saturday.
JOIN THE CENTER COURT CLUB
The Cougars are proud to introduce the Center Court Club, a restricted-giving program that directly impacts the needs of the University of Houston Tennis program. Gifts to the Center Court Club provide financial support directly to the University of Houston Tennis program for needs beyond the program's operating budget. Revenue generated from the Center Court Club is used at the discretion of the head coach for program enhancements. Membership in the Center Court Club is annual and requires a minimum $100 gift.
LEVELS OF GIVING
WINNER
For a minimum gift of $100, supporters receive a team poster and a signed tennis ball.
ACE
For a minimum gift of $500, supporters receive a team poster and a signed tennis ball, private practice invitation and a stadium blanket.
US OPEN
For a minimum gift of $1,000, supporters receive a team poster and a signed tennis ball, private practice invitation, a stadium blanket, fleece jacket and a lesson from the coach.
GRAND SLAM
For a minimum gift of $2,500, supporters receive a team poster and a signed tennis ball, private practice invitation, a stadium blanket, fleece jacket, a lesson from the coach and a group lesson from the coaching staff.
FOLLOW THE COUGARS!
Fans can keep up with the latest in University of Houston Cougar athletics by following us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HoustonAthletics), Twitter (@UHCougars), Instagram (houstoncougars) and YouTube.com (Youtube.com/UHAthletics). In addition, the women's tennis team has established its own official Facebook (Facebook.com/HoustonCougarTennis) and Twitter pages (@UHCougarTennis).
