April 23, 2003
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State seniors Oliver Maiberger and Silvia Tornier were named the Mountain West Conference Men's and Women's Players of the Year on Wednesday night at the annual awards banquet. In addition to the top honors, the Aztecs were also well represented on the all-league team, placing six singles players and four doubles teams on the squad.
On the women's side, Tornier became the first league player to earn consecutive player of the year honors. Ranked 85th nationally in singles and 34th in doubles, Tornier has posted a 21-8 record in singles and a 23-4 doubles mark. She completed a perfect conference campaign in singles and went 6-1 in doubles action. She has played particularly well of late, winning 11 straight singles matches and nine consecutive doubles matches.
Joining Tornier on the all-conference singles teams were senior Lindsey Hedberg and junior Katalina Romero. Hedberg, who is ranked 95th nationally in singles, posted a 17-8 mark this season playing number two singles for the Aztecs. Romero is 17-9 this campaign, including a 16-7 dual mark.
The doubles teams of Katja Karrento/Hedberg and Tornier/Indra Erichsen were also honored. The Aztecs had three of the 12 singles players and two of the six doubles teams honored on the women's side.
San Diego State, ranked 23rd nationally, opens play in the 2003 Mountain West Conference Championship on Thursday against Utah. The Aztecs, which play host for the tournament, will play Utah at the SDSU Courts at 2 p.m. PDT.
At the men's banquet in Provo, Utah, Maiberger won his third consecutive player of the year award, this time sharing the honor with Shannon Buck of Air Force. A three-time All-American, Maiberger is currently ranked 34th in singles and third nationally in doubles. The senior is 26-8 in singles action, including a 17-4 record at number one singles. Maiberger has also teamed with Ryan Redondo to form one of the nation's best doubles teams. The two were the top ranked doubles team for a two-week period earlier this season and are currently rated third in the nation.
Joining Maiberger on the all-conference singles teams were juniors Ryan Redondo and Felix Hardt. Redondo is 14-11 overall playing at number two singles while Felix Hardt is 15-10 primarily at number three singles for the Aztecs.
The doubles teams of Maiberger/Redondo and Felix Hardt and Gabe Coren were also honored. The Aztecs had three of the 12 singles players and two of the six doubles teams recognized on the men's side.
The San Diego State men are the number one seed at the Mountain West Conference Championships, which begin Thursday in Provo. The Aztecs received a first-round bye and will play the winner of the Air Force-Utah match on Friday at 1 p.m. MDT.