Fresno State Athletics
Rowe, Kucerkova Start at All-American Prequalifier
9/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Sept. 25, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - While their teammates are competing at the Cal Nike Invitational, senior Tinesta Rowe and junior Renata Kucerkova will be on the campus of Pepperdine University, beginning the fall season at the All-American Pre-qualifier tournament.
Rowe, who earned a No. 86 national preseason ranking, and Kucerkova will attempt to win their way into the main draw of the tournament set to begin Oct. 2. Bulldog teammates senior Melanie Gloria, and junior Anastasia Petukhova have already been selected to the main draw.
"A select group of players are invited to the All-American tournament," Head Coach Simon Thibodeau said. "I am confident they can rise up to the challenge and perform well in their first event of the season."
This weekend will be the first time Rowe has competed in singles during the All-American tournament. She teamed up with doubles partner Gloria to win the consolation final during last year's tournament.
Kucerkova competed in the qualifying rounds of the singles tournament last year finishing 1-1. She also joined Petukhova in doubles play of the qualifying rounds, and compiled a record of 3-2.
"Both Rowe and Kucerkova will focus on this weekend's matches one by one," said Thibodeau. "They will need to win six matches in order to join their teammates, Gloria and Petukhova, once the main draw begins."
Prequalifying begins Saturday Sept. 27, and will conclude Sunday Sept. 28. Qualifying rounds will take place Sept. 30-Oct. 1, with the main draw running Oct. 2-5.
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