MSU's Banikova Earns Berth In NCAA Singles Championship
Currently ranked 46th nationally, Banikova, a sophomore, has notched a 16-14 overall record this year including 9-7 in dual match competition. The Kosice, Slovakia, native earned her first national ranking this season coming in at 71 st before steadily moving up the polls to her current position.
Among her results in 2006-07, the sophomore has registered three wins over top 40 opponents this spring, including one in the top 10. She was 4-6 in Southeastern Conference matches, playing all her contests at the No. 1 position in State's lineup. She also clinched two Lady Bulldog wins this season, including State's SEC victory over Alabama .
With Banikova's at-large selection, she becomes the sixth player in MSU women's tennis history to garner a selection to the NCAA Singles Championship field, with the last coming in 2005.
First-round action begins Wednesday, May 23, at Georgia 's Dan Magill Tennis Complex.