May 2, 2008

Auburn, Ala. - Three Auburn women's tennis players were selected as one of the 64 singles players and 32 doubles teams who will compete in the NCAA Individual Women's Tennis Championship.

Sophomore Fani Chifchieva received a bid as a singles competitor. She is seeded 9-16. Junior Alex Haney and sophomore Melissa Koning will represent Auburn in the doubles competition.

Competition will begin on May 21, and will run through May 26, at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center in Tulsa, Okla.

"We are very excited for three of our players to make the tournament," said Auburn head coach Tim Gray. "Their hard work has really paid off. We hope they can come in prepared and make a good run. We'd love it if the whole team can be there, but we'll see how we do in Florida."

Chifchieva has led the Tigers in the number one singles spot this season. She posted a 21-2 regular season record, and notched a 10-1 SEC record. Beginning the season unranked, Chifchieva is currently the No. 14 singles player in the Nation.

Chifchieva was named SEC Women's Tennis Athlete of the Year and First Team All-SEC prior to the start of the SEC Women's Tournament.

Haney and Koning posted a 13-3, 9-2 SEC record in the number one doubles spot. The pair also began the season unranked and is now the No. 14 doubles team in the nation. Haney also earned First Team All-SEC honors.

The Tigers head to Gainesville, Fla., Friday, May 9, to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Auburn will play at 2:00 p.m., CT., at the University of Florida's Linder Stadium at Ring Tennis Complex.