The University of Mississippi Athletics
Women's Tennis Announces Two Signees
4/22/2003 | Women's Tennis
April 22, 2003
OXFORD, Miss. - Ilona Somers of Putte, Netherlands and Maryori Stella Franco of Barranquilla, Colombia, have signed a national letter of intent to play tennis at the University of Mississippi beginning in the 2003-04 academic year, head coach Mark Beyers announced Tuesday.
"We are extremely excited with these two signees," Beyers said. "I feel both of these will be great additions to our team and should make an immediate impact for us. They both had outstanding junior careers, and we hope they'll be able to continue that success in the college ranks."
Somers, who is expected to make a major contribution in doubles as well as singles, boasted a ranking of No. 42 in the world ITF Junior Rankings in 2001 and No. 12 in doubles.
Franco, an outstanding doubles player, is currently ranked No. 7 in the world junior rankings in doubles and No. 65 in singles. She has played in several prominent international junior tournaments, including the Orange Bowl.
The Lady Rebels are waiting to see if they will earn their eighth consecutive trip to the NCAA Team Championship. The bracket will be announced April 30.
