UC Irvine's Henderson Begins Career With Pair Of Wins

UC Irvine freshman Steven Henderson (Poway, Calif./Poway HS) began his collegiate career in impressive fashion with a pair of victories in his first two dual matches, earning him Big West Men's Tennis Athlete of the Week.
   
Despite two tough team losses to ranked opponents, Henderson provided the Anteaters with points as he also went 1-1 in doubles competition with partner Fabian Matthews.
   
Henderson defeated Pepperdine's Alex Moreno 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 at No. 6 singles in his first career match. It was the only point the Anteaters mustered in the 6-1 loss to the No. 14 Waves.
   
Against No. 70 Brigham Young, Henderson moved up to No. 5 singles and toppled Georgy Batrakov by a 6-3, 6-4 score.  He then teamed with Matthews to beat the Cougar duo of Batrakov and Hwang, 8-5, at No. 3 doubles.


UC Irvine's Byron Makes Big Statement In First Career Match

Freshman Courtney Byron (Scottsdale, Ariz./Notre Dame Prep HS) made her first career dual match extra memorable with a win over a nationally ranked singles player, earning the UC Irvine newcomer Big West Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week honors.
   
Byron dispatched USC's Alison Ramos, ranked No. 36 nationally by the ITA, in a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 thriller last Wednesday.  Byron, who won at the No. 5 position, did not play in doubles as the Anteaters lost the match to the No. 10-ranked Trojans, 6-1.