Jan. 2, 2007

HOUSTON, Texas - After reaching the 20-win plateau and recording the program's first undefeated season at home since 1990, the University of Houston tennis team is geared up for the start of the 2007 campaign.

The Cougars, who have appeared in four consecutive Conference USA Semifinals, have brought in a pair of talented transfers and freshmen to go along with a solid nucleus. Head coach John Severance, who is 37-15 entering his third season as head coach, has Houston poised to make a run at its first Conference USA crown and NCAA Regional appearance since 1998.

"We had a very positive fall season that allowed us to not only identify our strengths but also our weaknesses," Severance said. "We'll have a couple of weeks before the season starts in January to make our final adjustments."

Houston returns four letterwinners from last season's squad, including seniors Loli Gomez and Sonja Nikolic.

Gomez split time between the No. 1 and No. 2 positions a season ago, winning seven of her nine decisions in the No. 2 hole. The Spaniard will be counted on to anchor the top of the lineup this season after emerging with an 8-3 fall record.

"I've been really impressed with Loli's determination and heart during the fall season," head coach John Severance said. "She's more mentally tough, fit and confident this season. She always could play at the top level, but the difference now is that she believes she can win."

Sonja Nikolic also is coming off a strong fall season where she made semifinals at the Cougar Fall Draw, qualified for the Wilson/ITA Regional main draw and notched a finals berth at the Houston Quad.

"Sonja has earned a couple of close wins this fall that has been huge for confidence," Severance said. "She's been working so hard during the fall on different aspects of her game. It's good for her to see that hard work pay off in pressure situations."

Vicky Simpson returns after completing a strong freshman season. The England native won 17 of her 23 matches last spring, including 11 of 15 in the No. 5 position. She also put together a strong Wilson/ITA Regional this fall, claiming three victories during qualifying to reach the main draw.

"Vicky has shown moments of brilliance this fall," assistant coach Jo Keene said. "She needs to continue the maturation process and must not be complacent with her freshman success."

Houston will rely on a pair of transfers in Leila Salek and Rebecca Franzi. The duo enters its first season with the Cougars already with impressive credentials.

Salek won 34 of her 38 singles matches over two seasons at Division II Ferris State and has adapted quickly to the Division I level going 5-2 during the fall season.

"Leila doesn't have the shots that will blow you off the court," Severance said. "The strength in her game lies in her ability to change up her pace that allows her to keep the opposition off balance."

Franzi played two seasons at Charleston Southern and tallied Big South All-Conference Doubles honors in both 2005 and 2006. She was one of four Cougars to play in the main draw at the Wilson/ITA Regionals over the fall.

"Bec has the serve and forehand to dominate opponents," Severance said. "She must use her talents wisely and be patient. She will be very successful if she does that."

Houston also welcomes a pair of talented freshman as Anna Djananova and Neila Starratt look to make an instant impact on the program in 2007.

Both have corralled impressive results during the fall season qualifying for flight finals. The duo combined to win 10 of their 13 matches at Hoff Courts.

"Neila and Anna have proven that they are gamers who have adapted quickly to the college game," Severance said. "They play a brand of high percentage tennis that shows in their demeanors on the court. Their play shows the promise of our program in having two freshmen that have developed this early and have a chance to win with regularity in our lineup."

D'Ondra McGee adds depth to the Cougar lineup after winning all three of her singles matches in fill-in action last spring.

The only question mark entering the season that remains to be answered for Houston are the doubles pairings.

"It's the opposite of what we had last fall," Severance said. "It was our singles play this time around that was strong. The good news for us is that during the spring season, singles count for more points that doubles."

Gomez and Salek emerged as a strong No. 1 pair, reeling off a run to the Round of 16 at the Wilson/ITA Regionals. The pair also qualified for the finals at the Houston Quad.

"We're still searching for two more strong double teams," Severance said. "Gomez and Salek are a very special combination and have shown that they know to execute our doubles scheme."

The Cougars once again will square off against the nation's finest in 2007. The only difference from past seasons is that a majority of the matches will take place inside the friendly confines of Hoff Courts. Houston has won 25 of its last 27 matches at home in the Severance era, including its last 18 decisions.

Houston will welcome five programs that were ranked in the FILA Collegiate Top 75 a season ago as Florida State, LSU, SMU and Illinois visit the Bayou City.

"This is a tough slate for our team," Severance said. "But I have confidence that they will rise to the challenge."