Fresno State's Gloria knocks off nation's No. 1

Staff Reports
The Collegian

Melanie Gloria’s trouncing of No. 1 Audra Cohen of Miami Saturday seemed to be proof of her domination but her streak of glory came to a close Sunday when she fell to 12th ranked Suzi Babos of California.

Sophomore Gloria is the first woman in Fresno State history to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s All-American singles final. Previously, Jelena Pandzic was the only other Fresno State woman to compete in a singles national final in 2004.

Ranked 19th in the nation, Gloria defeated two competitors she had lost to in the previous season and is reigning Player of the Year in the Western Athletic Conference. Gloria defeated Megan Moulton of William and Mary in the quarterfinals with straight sets before finishing off Cohen.

Head coach Simon Thibodeau said Gloria dominated the match by never losing focus.

With Saturday’s win, Gloria automatically qualifies for the November National Indoor Championships.

Sunday, Gloria was taken out by 2006 NCAA champion Babos. Babos had an early 4-0 lead, but the match was tied up at 5-5. Babos broke out to win 10-8.

Though he said he was disappointed with the finals loss, Thibodeau said “It was still a good performance in her first tournament of the year.”

Gloria’s 2006 dual season gave her a record of 20-5.

The Bulldogs will compete in the ITA Northwest Regionals in Berkeley, Calif. on Oct. 20-22.

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