Dec. 11, 2006

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois women's tennis freshman star Megan Fudge grabbed a No. 10 Midwest regional ranking, the ITA announced on Monday. Fudge is one of only three freshmen ranked in the top 10 on the list, and the second-highest underclassmen in the Big Ten.

"The ranking is a testament to the success of Megan's first fall season at Illinois," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "Knowing Megan, I'm sure she will not be satisfied and will continue to work hard and make the necessary improvements. This is just the beginning of her young career."

Fudge kicked off her collegiate career with a 14-4 fall record, including a deep run at the ITA Midwest Regional Championships. Fudge was the only semifinalist in the main draw to have begun her run in the qualifying bracket. Fudge took down one ranked opponent in her string of wins, which reached a career-high 10 straight, defeating then-No. 75 Randi Schuler of Purdue.

The Kaarst, Germany native made one finals appearance during the fall, dropping her contest against Neela Vaez of Purdue, who is currently ranked No. 24 in the Midwest, in the finals of the Midwest Blast.

Fudge's three losses all came at the hands of currently Midwest-ranked netters, including No. 3 Colleen Riley of Notre Dame, No. 20 Kelcy Tefft of Notre Dame and Vaez.

Fudge and the Illini will be back in action when the open the spring season with a dual match at Marquette on Jan. 20 at 11 a.m.