Colorado State University Athletics
Buzkova/Mihaljevic Crack National Doubles Rankings
12/8/2021 12:30:00 PM | Women's Tennis
No. 32 position is best in program history
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Having checked off a list of firsts for the Colorado State women's tennis program this fall, it makes sense the tandem of Radka Buzkova and Matea Mihaljevic would add another when the ITA released its first rankings of the season Wednesday.
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As transfers to a new program, they were not listed in the preseason poll, but cracked the first rankings of the regular season at No. 32. It is the highest ranking for a CSU doubles team in program history. They are the only Mountain West pairing to be ranked in the initial poll.
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"I'm really pleased to see Radka and Matea get ranked and almost break into the top 30," first-year CSU head coach Mai-Ly Tran said. "It's a tremendous honor for them to become the highest-ranked team in program history.
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"The fall is about preparation for the spring, and the confidence gained from these results will only aid our success in the upcoming dual season. This will only motivate us more and reiterate the success that can be achieved from this group. I'm so proud of them and I am excited for more to come."
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Buzkova and Mihaljevic had a tremendous fall campaign, winning two tournaments and reaching a third final. They not only became the first Colorado State players to reach an ITA Regional semifinal, but then became the Rams' first finalists and eventually the champions of the tournament, winning the ITA Mountain Regional in Las Vegas.
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The title there qualified them for the ITA Fall Nationals, where they won their first match, finishing 1-1. Overall, Buzkova and Mihaljevic complied a 16-2 record.
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They become just the second doubles team in program history to be ranked, with Stella Cliffe and Emily Luetschwager hitting No. 60 in 2020.
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Colorado State begins dual play for the spring season in late January with a trip to Arizona. The Rams will face New Mexico State (Jan. 21) and Arizona State (Jan. 22). Their first home match is Feb. 5 against Metro State on Feb. 5.
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As transfers to a new program, they were not listed in the preseason poll, but cracked the first rankings of the regular season at No. 32. It is the highest ranking for a CSU doubles team in program history. They are the only Mountain West pairing to be ranked in the initial poll.
Â
"I'm really pleased to see Radka and Matea get ranked and almost break into the top 30," first-year CSU head coach Mai-Ly Tran said. "It's a tremendous honor for them to become the highest-ranked team in program history.
Â
"The fall is about preparation for the spring, and the confidence gained from these results will only aid our success in the upcoming dual season. This will only motivate us more and reiterate the success that can be achieved from this group. I'm so proud of them and I am excited for more to come."
Â
Buzkova and Mihaljevic had a tremendous fall campaign, winning two tournaments and reaching a third final. They not only became the first Colorado State players to reach an ITA Regional semifinal, but then became the Rams' first finalists and eventually the champions of the tournament, winning the ITA Mountain Regional in Las Vegas.
Â
The title there qualified them for the ITA Fall Nationals, where they won their first match, finishing 1-1. Overall, Buzkova and Mihaljevic complied a 16-2 record.
Â
They become just the second doubles team in program history to be ranked, with Stella Cliffe and Emily Luetschwager hitting No. 60 in 2020.
Â
Colorado State begins dual play for the spring season in late January with a trip to Arizona. The Rams will face New Mexico State (Jan. 21) and Arizona State (Jan. 22). Their first home match is Feb. 5 against Metro State on Feb. 5.
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Players Mentioned
Sunday, March 31
Sunday, March 03
Monday, April 23
Friday, April 20