Monday, 6/30/97 All-American selections recognize
accomplishments of both teams TENNIS: No. 9 Taino graduates to
pros, Kim honored in singles and doubles, Kocsis ranks 12th
By Mark Shapiro Daily Bruin Staff The UCLA men’s tennis team
left its final mark on the 1996-97 season with the announcement of
the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Americans and the
release of the final team and individual rankings. Eric Taino, who
turned pro at season’s end, was one of three Bruins to garner
All-American honors. Taino, who finished the season ranked ninth in
the nation, earned All-American recognition in singles for the
second consecutive year. Kevin Kim was named All-American in both
singles and doubles after his performance his freshman year, making
him the lone Bruin to collect honors in both categories. He
finished the season ranked 35th in singles and third in doubles
with partner Eric Lin. Lin was named an All-American for the first
time in his career. Lin and Kim spent most of the season ranked in
the top five in doubles. The Bruins finished the season with a 25-4
ranking and the No. 3 ranking in the country, behind national
champion Stanford University and the University of Georgia, who
defeated UCLA in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. Senior Alex
Decret was ranked 48th in the year-end rankings, while Matt Breen
was ranked 57th. The doubles team of Taino and Decret was ranked
27th. * * * The UCLA women’s tennis team, which finished the season
ranked fifth in the nation, had four of its members collect
All-American honors at season’s end. Junior Kati Kocsis earned
recognition in singles as she wrapped up the season ranked 12th in
the nation. Freshman Annica Cooper received like honors as she
finished the season ranked 33rd. The freshman team of Katia
Roubanova and Elizabeth Schmidt tallied honors in doubles and were
ranked 16th at the end of the year. Both players were also ranked
in singles. Schmidt garnered the 38th spot, while Roubanova was
ranked 69th. Senior Kelly Rudolph was ranked 76th in singles, while
the doubles team of Cooper and Kocsis was ranked 28th. UCLA Sports
Info Eric Taino UCLA Sports Info Katie Kocsis Previous Daily Bruin
Story Triumphs and tragedies, June 10, 1996