Jan. 6, 2009

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illinois women's tennis team will begin the 2009 season ranked No. 37 in the first ITA team rankings of the year. Individually, sophomore Leigh Finnegan busted into the national rankings, coming in at No. 89 to start the spring season.

Regional rankings also recognized the Illini in singles with Finnegan leading the way at No. 7 in the Midwest, followed by freshman Chelcie Abajian at No. 12 and junior Megan Fudge at No. 22.

For a complete list of the rankings, visit itatennis.com.

The Fighting Illini open up their dual match schedule at home at the Atkins Tennis Center when they welcome No. 24 Tennessee on Saturday, Jan. 24 and Miami of Ohio on Sunday, Jan. 25. Both matches are slated for 12 p.m. starts.