May 8, 2008

Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's women's tennis recently came off their best finish in program history, as they finished with a No. 54 ranking and a second place finish in the West Coast Conference Championships. For her success, 10th year head coach Lisa Alipaz was named the WCC Coach of the Year for the second straight time. Alipaz now looks to the future of the program, as she brings in three stellar recruits to help fill the void of seniors Jessica Hoath, Stef Ordoveza, Feline Charlot, Kathryn Malec, and Caitlin Aloia. The returning Gaels will be joined by three stellar incoming players, as Sabina Gunnarsson, Anna Chkhikvishvili, and Molly Aloia have all committed to being a Gael.

Sabina Gunnarsson will join the Gaels from Lidköping, Sweden, where she has experienced continuous success during her tennis career. Gunnarsson has been ranked a Top-10 player in Sweden since she was 12 years old, while also placing third in the European Championship Doubles. The Sweden native has accumulated an impressive resume while playing in her country, including two national championships for doubles. The incoming freshman looks to make her mark on the program from the start, bringing international experience and skill to the already talented Saint Mary's squad.

Alipaz on Gunnarsson: "Sabina has had a lot of success at the junior level both in singles and doubles, and has significant international playing experience. She can play at a very high level in both singles and doubles and is certain to make an immediate impact for us next season."

Coming from San Diego, CA, Anna Chkhikvishvili joins the Gaels from Ranco Bernado High School. While playing for the Broncos Chkhikvishvili recorded multiple accolades, including First Team All-Palomar League, First Team All-CIF, and a third place finish in the CIF individual singles tournament. During her senior season Chkhikvishvili led her team to a second place CIF finish, while also defeating the 2004 and 2005 CIF singles champions during the season. The San Diego native was rated the fifth best recruit from California and 31st best recruit in the county, as she looks to be an immediate contributor to the Gael squad.

Alipaz on Chkhikvishvili: "Anna has a big game with lots of firepower from the baseline, combine that with being very gritty and a great competitor and she is capable of big wins. Anna will push the returnees and will compete for one of the top positions next season."

Rancho Bernardo tennis head coach Mike Parrinello on Anna: "In an individual sport which requires focus, discipline and concentration, Anna has them all along with a maturity well beyond her years."

Molly Aloia follows in her sisters' footsteps, as she joins the Gaels as the third Aloia to be a member of the program. The Temecula, CA native played a vital role on her Great Oak High School team, and has earned a four-star recruiting ranking by tennisrecruiting.net. Aloia is ranked the No. 28 best player in California (by the same site), and No. 33 in the Southwest. Aloia helped guide Great Oak to three conference titles, including a 20-1 season her junior year. For her efforts Aloia was named the 2005 Californian All Valley Girls Tennis Player of the Year. It should be an easy transition for Aloia into the Saint Mary's community, as she brings family tradition and high level skill to the tennis courts.

Alipaz on Aloia: "Molly is enthusiastic, has a great deal of heart and very good skills. She is a great team player and has a tremendous upside; it will be exciting to see her game rise to a new level while in college."

Great Oak tennis head coach Ray Fisher on Aloia: "Molly has been the heart and soul of the Great Oak tennis program," Fisher said. "We would be nowhere without her. The effort that she gives out makes the entire team play that much harder."

"This is a great recruiting class for us," said Alipaz. "The team will definitely benefit from the added depth and competition these three will bring."