BYU women's tennis re-enters ITA rankings at No. 55

For the first time the since the ITA Poll on March 4, the BYU women’s tennis team is ranked.

In the April 1 ranking, BYU is ranked No. 55. This ranking marks the Cougars' re-entry into the ITA rankings after back-to-back weekend victories over two ranked opponents, Kansas and Iowa State.

This ranking marks the third appearance in the ITA rankings for BYU this year. The Cougars have been ranked No. 73 and No. 51 at various points during the season.

BYU won two matches last weekend over two Big 12 opponents. In the first matchup of the weekend BYU defeated No. 56 Iowa State 4-2. BYU was led by sophomore Grace Levelston. Levelston defeated No. 73 Anna Kuearum 6-2, 6-3.

During their second weekend match, BYU bested No. 39 Kansas for its second ranked win of the weekend. BYU won the match 4-3. BYU started off strong winning the doubles point. The singles matches went back-and-forth as both teams claimed match after match.

Going into the final singles match of the night, the match was tied 3-3. On the back of a dramatic finish, BYU clinched its second ranked win of the weekend after Madi Smith defeated Merieem Ben Ezzedine in a third set tiebreaker.

"What a weekend!" said head coach Holly Hasler. "Two ranked wins at home is unreal, but how it happened is what will be most memorable for the team. To lose every first set in singles, other than one, and then fight back was pure grit, fight, and determination. Today, we walked away winning the last point for two reasons: number one, heart, and number two, love for team. The perfect recipe for success."

These victories marked the second and third ranked team wins this season for BYU. The Cougars defeated No. 55 Fresno State earlier this season.

BYU’s season continues this week as it travels to face No. 60 Kansas State and No. 26 Oklahoma State.