GCU to compete at the ITA Southwest Regionals

PHOENIX – The GCU men's and women's tennis teams begin competition at the ITA Southwest Regionals this weekend. The men's regional will be hosted by Pepperdine in Malibu, Calif. while the women's regional takes place in San Diego and is hosted by the University of San Diego. Division I teams from southern California, Hawaii and Arizona all travel to compete in the tournament.

For both teams, play will begin today, Thursday, Oct. 20 and conclude on Monday, Oct. 24. There will be 128 singles competitors and 64 doubles partnerships at each tournament. With such large fields, the ITA Southwest Regionals are normally the most competitive tournaments for the Lopes during the fall season.

Last year, GCU men's players Gregoire Balenci and Justin Cvitanovic both advanced in the consolation bracket. Balenci made it to the consolation quarterfinals and Cvitanovic was stopped just short of the quarterfinals after losing to former teammate Meidy Chazeau.

For the women, the doubles team of Tatum Prudhomme and Susan Baklini battled to the Top 16 of doubles play last season. In singles play, Prudhomme advanced to the consolation semifinals. Lana Rinaldi also won her first match in singles competition.

GCU expects to face the best competition of the fall season this weekend. The Lopes will look to build upon last year's success and continue to prepare for spring tennis.

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Players Mentioned

Susan Baklini

Gregoire Balenci

Meidy Chazeau

Justin Cvitanovic

Tatum Prudhomme

Lana Rinaldi

Grand Canyon University Athletics