The University of Minnesota women's tennis team opened play at the 2004 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Midwest Regional Championships with a strong showing in qualifying singles action at the Baseline Tennis Center. Three Golden Gophers - Jane Anderson, Marina Bugaenco and Ida Malmberg - advanced in the qualifying draw of singles play, going 4-0 in the first day of competition.

Anderson obtained a bye in the first round and defeated Sarah Andrews of Michigan State, 6-2, 6- 0 to move on to the next round. Bugaenco went 2-0 on the day, downing Drake's Rebekah Thomas, 6-2, 6-1, before coming back to defeat Kristi Roemer of Northwesterm 2-6, 7-5, 6-4. Bugaenco showed gritty determination in her comeback victory, also showing tremendous poise for a freshman. Head Coach Tyler Thompson commented that, "Bugaenco won her first match very handily."

Malmberg moved on with a 6-3, 6-1, win over Lindsey Goldstein of Michigan. Malmberg had a bye in the first round.

Danielle Mousseau went 0-2 on the day, losing to Silvia Prajescu of Ohio State, 6-3, 6-2 and Sarah Galon of Cleveland State, 6-2, 6-2.

With wins tomorrow Buagenco. Anderson and Malmberg will advance to the main draw for singles. Singles action begins at 8:30 a.m., with doubles action starting at 2 p.m.

The singles finalists and doubles champion from ITA Midwest Regional will earn spots in the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships, Nov. 4-7, at the University of Michigan.

2004 ITA Midwest Regional Championships
Baseline Tennis Center
Minneapolis, Minn.
Oct. 21, 2004

Qualifying Singles
Round of 64 - Marina Bugaenco (MN) def. Rebekah Thomas (Drake), 6-2, 6-1
Round of 64 - Silvia Prajescu (Ohio St.) def. Danielle Mousseau (MN), 6-3, 6-2
Round of 32 - Bugaenco (MN) def. Kristi Roemer (Northwestern), 2-6, 7-5, 6-4
Round of 32 - Jane Anderson (MN) def. Sarah Andrews (Michigan St.), 6-2, 6-0
Round of 32 - Ida Malmberg (MN) def. Lindsey Goldstein (Michigan), 6-3, 6-1
Consolation - Sarah Galon (Cleveland St.) def. Mousseau, 6-2, 6-2