SMU’s Kristen Reid returns the ball in a match against the University of Arizona last spring. (Jordan Schreiber)
Poland native Marta Lesniak hasn’t wasted any time getting acclimated to collegiate tennis.
The freshman dominated the competition last weekend at the Fidelity-Southlake Women’s Pro Classic, dropping only a set the entire weekend in singles competition. Lesniak earned a spot in the tournament’s main draw on Oct. 5, when she will face a mix of collegiate, junior and even professional players.
Players participate in the classic, which is part of the United States Tennis Association Pro Circuit, with hopes of earning their way into the professional ranks. Players earn points based on their results and hope to one day earn a spot in a professional event. Former No. 1 tennis stars Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin played on the circuit.
Lesniak paired with junior teammate Sophie Quist, a transfer from Ball State University, to win the doubles draw, knocking off a couple professional teams on the way. Just a week earlier, Quist won the consolation championship of Mean Green Invitational.
While Lesniak and Quist prepare for the Southlake tournament’s main draw, the Mustangs play in the International Tennis Association Championship today thru Monday in Los Angeles.
SMU, coming off a disappointing 2008 spring season, likely is encouraged by the newcomers’ incredible performances. The Mustangs return nationally ranked singles and doubles player Natalia Bubien and a host of other major contributors from last year’s team.
Bubien and junior Pavi Francis teamed at No. 1 doubles last year and earned a 15-4 record, highlighted by a victory over the No. 1 team in the country, Notre Dame’s Kelcy Tefft and Brook Buck. This year Bubien and senior Kseniia Tokarieva were ranked No. 28 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association preseason rankings. Bubien was tabbed No. 88 in singles.
The Mustangs finished last season ranked No. 75 in the country after losing in the second round of the Conference USA Championships.
