Nebraska Moves up Five Spots in ITA National Rankings

Lincoln, Neb.--The Nebraska women's tennis team moved up five spots in the ITA national rankings released Tuesday.  At No. 31, this is the second-highest ranking in school history behind the No. 30 ranking the team held earlier this year from March 29 to April 5. The Huskers own an 18-2 record, which is the best record in the Big 12.  Only two teams, No. 8 Texas and No. 12 Baylor, are ranked higher than NU in the conference.

The Huskers capped one of the greatest seasons in school history by defeating No. 62 Colorado, 4-3, on Sunday April 24.  With the victory, NU heads into the Big 12 Tournament with the No. 3 seed, which is the highest finish and seeding in school history.  The Big Red receives a buy in the first round of the tournament and on Friday will play the winner of the Colorado/Kansas match, played on Thursday.

It has been a season of many firsts for NU.  The Huskers' seven wins over nationally ranked teams, including then-No. 28 Texas A&M and then-No. 40 Oklahoma, is believed to be the most in school history.  Nebraska has also posted nine conference victories, also believed to be the most in school history. 

Several individual players are also having the best seasons of their careers.  Junior Pamela Castillejos has posted 22 victories this season, giving her a winning percentage of .916 which ranks No. 1 on NU's single-season winning percentage chart.  Senior Gitte Ostermann has moved up to No. 5 on NU's combined wins list, with 120 victories, while senior Katie Garcia has recorded 47 career doubles wins, which ties Lisa Hart at No. 3 all-time at Nebraska.

NU will play on Friday, April 29 in Austin, Texas, at the Penick-Alison Tennis Center at 6 p.m in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.