Fresno State Athletics
Sophie Watts, Maiar and Rana Sherif Ahmed Ranked by ITA
9/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
By Josh Mitchell
jomitchell@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. - The Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced its preseason rankings on Tuesday for singles and doubles as the fall season nears and senior Sophie Watts and sophomore Maiar Sherif Ahmed each landed in the ITA's top 125, while Maiar, along with sister Rana Sherif Ahmed were ranked in doubles.
"It's great to start with a rankings in singles and doubles," head coach Ryan Stotland said. "It is a difficult achievement. I am proud of each of the student-athletes. They have helped push everyone on the team to the levels they are at. Our goal is improving on a daily basis and we are doing that. It is nice to see that the nation is seeing the talent level of our players."
Watts, who is ranked No. 54, the highest in the Mountain West, is coming off of a season in which she posted a 34-6 record in singles competition. During the spring, the native of Hitchin, England, held a 23-match winning streak in singles en route to earning 2015 Mountain West Player of the Year honors. With a three-set win over No. 36-ranked Romy Kölzer in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Watts became the first Bulldog since 2009 advance beyond the opening round of the tournament.
Maiar Sherif Ahmed, who ranks No. 104 in the preseason, burst onto the seen last year after joining the 'Dogs in January. The younger sister of senior Rana Sherif Ahmed recorded a 22-3 record in singles play, losing just on match in dual competition. She was second on the team in combined wins 44 wins, 13 back of Watts' 57. With a combined 44-6 record in the spring, she was named 2015 Mountain West Freshman of the Year.
Along with her sister Rana, the doubles team which posted a 22-3 overall record, and went 20-2 in dual matches, will open the season ranked at No. 38. They are one of three doubles teams in the conference which are ranked in the ITA's top 60.
All three returners were named to both the Mountain West's singles and doubles teams.
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