Sept. 26, 2004

LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech women's duo of Katja Kovacic and Erin Hunter claimed the doubles championship at the Alabama Tennis Complex. Kovacic and Hunter remain undefeated in doubles play at 7-0.

The Lady Raiders completed the final day of the tournament with two second place finishes. Freshman Cigdem Duru struggled against Zsuzsanna Fodor of Mississippi State in the championship match. Duru would lose (6-1, 6-1), while junior Tara Browning lost to Alabama's Ashley Bentley (6-0, 6-1).

In other singles matches, freshman Janet Durham fought back in the consolation matches to take third place in singles flight "G". Durham defeated Kiera Strickland of Georgia State (7-5, 6-0), while freshman Erin Hunter battled Auburn's Tori Almagne. Hunter won the second set but eventually lost the match for third place.

Texas Tech Coach Cari Groce believes her team proved that they are ready to compete and is excited to showcase their talent at the Texas Tech Classic.

"This weekend was a good test for our team. I believe it was an opportunity for us to see if we can compete and beat the good teams," Groce said. " I wanted them to gain confidence. Now we get to play at home for the first time and hopefully we will continue to dominate."

The Lady Raiders will host the Texas Tech Classic this weekend, Oct. 1-3, at the McLeod Tennis Center.