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W. tennis seeks redemption vs. Wildcats

By Daily Bruin Staff

March 7, 1996 9:00 p.m.

W. tennis seeks redemption vs. Wildcats

Phebus confident that she can beat Maes this time

By Hye Kwon

Daily Bruin Staff

If playing the No. 4 team in the nation is not enough incentive
for the UCLA women’s tennis team, revenge may spur the Bruins as
they host Arizona today at the Los Angeles Tennis Center at 1:30
p.m.

This afternoon’s match will give the Bruins a chance to avenge a
7-2 loss to the Wildcats in Arizona. Going into the Feb. 3 match,
Keri Phebus carried a 41-match win streak. After fighting off match
point, Vicki Maes brought Phebus’ streak to a disappointing end,
gutting out a 6-7, 7-5, 6-1 win.

But don’t look for a Phebus attempt to settle any personal
vendetta against Maes this afternoon.

"I’ve beaten her twice this year and I’ve always beaten her,"
Phebus said confidently. "It’s just a challenge that I’m looking
forward to."

Traditionally, Phebus has gotten the better of Maes. At the
Rolex Regionals in November, Phebus defeated Maes in the title
match 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Two months later, the two players squared off
again at the Pac-10 Indoors and Phebus prevailed 6-3, 7-5.

"Keri’s a very proud individual and player," UCLA head coach
Bill Zaima said. "And she knows what she needs to do."

If ever there was a matchup of two of the hottest players in the
nation, this afternoon’s match between Phebus and Maes might be it.
In the latest Rolex individual rankings, Phebus checks in at the
No. 2 spot with a 18-1 overall record, while Maes trails
immediately behind.

"I think the best thing about the match is that it will offer
the fans a chance to see two players that are going to be playing
on the professional tour," Zaima said. "They might be ranked in the
top 50 in the world next year, if Maes decides to turn pro."

That’s an if, because Maes has two more years of eligibility
after the conclusion of this season. Last year, the Belgian
national finished the year at 20-18, ranked No. 24 in the nation.
This season, Maes stepped up, garnering 34-5 record including a
perfect 13-0 in dual matches.

Speaking of perfect records, UCLA’s Stephanie Chi has not lost
in twelve dual matches. As a result, the sophomore has moved up to
No. 20 in the nation. Paige Yaroshuk, ranked No. 32, will likely
play a major role in this afternoon’s match.

Unable to play in the first meeting with Arizona because of a
stomach pull, Yaroshuk sat in the stands and watched her UCLA fall
to the Wildcats. This afternoon, she will counter Stephanie
Sammaritano, who brings in a record of 8-4 at the No. 2
position.

"Playing at home is a major advantage," UCLA head coach Bill
Zaima said. "I think we can beat Arizona in singles."Comments to
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