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LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, UNLV tennis players achieved a flawless 8-0 record in both singles and doubles matches during the opening round of the prestigious Jolene Watanabe Classic, hosted at the state-of-the-art Fertitta Tennis Complex on campus this past Friday.
Joining the Rebels at this three-day invitational are talented competitors from Long Beach State, Gonzaga, Utah, and Utah Tech, creating a competitive atmosphere. Spectators can enjoy the action as admission to all matches is completely free.
Notably, Cindy Hu showcased her resilience, clinching a hard-fought victory in the top flight against Cecelia Costa from Long Beach State with a final score of 2-6, 6-4, 7-5. Additionally, in a thrilling doubles match, Hu teamed up with Coco Zhao, where they narrowly triumphed over Gonzaga’s duo of Emily Robertson and Safien Boulonois, winning 7-6 (2) in a tense tiebreaker to move forward in the doubles bracket.
The annual fall invitational not only highlights emerging tennis talent but has also been renamed to honor the legacy of former UNLV standout Jolene Watanabe. A pivotal figure who elevated the UNLV women’s tennis program to national recognition three decades ago, Watanabe tragically passed away in 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 50.
UNLV RESULTS – 2024 JOLENE WATANABE CLASSIC
Nov. 8
SINGLES
Flight One
Cindy Hu (UNLV) def. Cecelia Costa (LBSU) 2-6, 6-4, 7-5
Flight Two
Coco Zhao (UNLV) def. Ana Gutierrez (UTT) 6-4, 6-0
Nikol Mircheva (UNLV) def. Thea Jagare (LBSU) 1-6, 6-1, 6-4
Flight Three
Kaho Oyama (UNLV) def. Brooke Bittner (GONZ) 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
Flight Four
Sofiia Sokolvak (UNLV) def. Raquel Roshak (UTT) 6-1, 6-3
Sabrina Novruzova (UNLV) def. Savannah Johnson (GONZ) 6-2, 6-1
DOUBLES
Flight One
Coco Zhao/Cindy Hu (UNLV) def. Emily Robertson/Safien Boulonois (GONZ) 7-6, (2)
Flight Two
Nikol MIrcheva/Kaho Oyama (UNLV) def. Nutsa Tsintsadze/Nicole Kells (UTT) 6-1
**Interview with Coach Jessica Williams of the UNLV Rebels Tennis Team**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Williams. The opening round of the Jolene Watanabe Classic was a big success for your team, with an impressive 8-0 record. How did the players feel about their performance?
**Coach Williams:** Thank you for having me! The team is incredibly proud of how they performed. Winning every match in both singles and doubles is no small feat, especially with the level of competition we faced. The players came in with a strong mindset and executed their strategies perfectly.
**Editor:** It must be a great atmosphere with teams from Long Beach State, Gonzaga, Utah, and Utah Tech joining the event. How does this competition contribute to your team’s growth?
**Coach Williams:** Absolutely! Competing against such talented teams gives our players the chance to challenge themselves and grow. Each match is an opportunity to learn and improve, and our players embraced that fully this weekend. Plus, it’s a good chance to showcase what we’ve been working on in practice.
**Editor:** The event is named after Jolene Watanabe, who is clearly a significant figure for your academy. How does it feel to honor her legacy during this tournament?
**Coach Williams:** It’s truly special. Jolene is not just an amazing player but an incredible person and supporter of the sport. Having her family, including her husband Sylvain and mother Janet, present at the event added a heartfelt touch. Our players felt inspired to compete in her honor, and it certainly fueled their passion on the court.
**Editor:** The Fertitta Tennis Complex is a fantastic venue. What feedback have players and spectators given about the facilities?
**Coach Williams:** The players love the Fertitta Tennis Complex! It provides an excellent environment for competition, and I’ve heard many compliments from spectators too. The facilities are top-notch, which definitely enhances the overall experience of the tournament for everyone involved.
**Editor:** It sounds like a wonderful event, Coach. What are your expectations for the remainder of the tournament?
**Coach Williams:** We’re aiming to maintain the momentum we’ve built in the opening round. The goal is to stay focused, keep playing our game, and support each other as we move forward. If we do that, I believe we will continue to see success throughout the tournament.
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Williams! We look forward to more exciting matches in the Jolene Watanabe Classic.
**Coach Williams:** Thank you! We’re excited and appreciate the support!
