WT Picked Third in the Big 12 Preseason Poll

WACO, Texas – The Baylor women's tennis team was picked third in Tuesday's Big 12 preseason women's tennis poll and received one first-place vote. Head Coach Joey Scrivano, in his 18^th year, is looking for a big rebound after a 9-21 season in 2019.

Last season served as a bit of an anomaly because, perennially, the Bears have been a power in the conference, particularly since Scrivano's arrival.

In the last decade alone, from 2010 to 2019, Baylor made nine NCAA Tournament appearances, five NCAA Sweet 16 appearances, and three Elite Eights while winning the Big 12 regular season title five times and the tournament championship four times.

"It's a new year and we are looking forward to getting back on the court and competing as a team. We have a talented group of newcomers along with strong senior, veteran leadership," said Scrivano. "Our main focus is to get better each day, trust the process, and build a special culture that we can be proud of. The winning will take care of its self."

Seniors Angie Shakhraichuk and Jessica Hinojosa are four-year veterans that will lead the program while newcomers Alicia Herrero Linana and Mel Krywoj will finally suit up Jan. 17 vs. Georgia State in the season opener after serving a year-in residence. In addition, Anastasia Kharitonova joined the team in the fall after playing her freshman season at the University of Florida.

Juniors Livia Kraus and Kris Sorokolet and sophomore Paula Barañano are back with the program, and Baylor also had one true freshman join in the fall in Daria Rakitskaya.

Baylor will tuneup with a fall-style tournament Friday thru Sunday at the National Collegiate Tennis Classic in Rancho Mirage, Calif., sponsored by the USTA.

The spring season kicks off Jan. 17 at the Hurd Tennis Center with a 6 p.m. matchup vs. Georgia State in Waco.

Women's Tennis Preseason Poll Results
1.         Texas (6)                            78
2.         Oklahoma State (3)            75
3.         Baylor (1)                           56
4.         Oklahoma                           53
5.         Kansas                               50
6.         Texas Tech                         49
7.         TCU                                    32
8.         Kansas State                      27
9.         Iowa State                          21
10.       West Virginia                         9

WT Picked Third in the Big 12 Preseason Poll

Players Mentioned

Alicia Herrero Linana

Jessica Hinojosa

Anastasia Kharitonova

Livia Kraus

Mel Krywoj

Daria Rakitskaya

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