June 26, 2007

DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU women's tennis team has added two transfers, as announced by Mustang head coach Lauren Longbotham. The newest members to join the SMU women's tennis team are Nicole Briceno, who comes to SMU via Alabama and Kseniia Tokarieva from Ole Miss.

"I am very excited to have Kseniia and Nicole join our squad in the fall," says Longbotham. "Both players have had the great experience of playing in the SEC and against some of the best players in the country. We will rely on both their playing experience and work ethic to help elevate our team to the next level and achieve our goals of winning a conference championship and a top 25 national ranking."

Briceno recently completed her freshman year at the University of Alabama, posting an overall singles record of 18-17, mostly at the 2,3, and 4 playing positions. In doubles, she totaled a mark of 11 wins and 20 losses. A native of Pembroke Pines, Fla., Briceno graduated from Pembroke Pines Charter High School in 2005 where she won the State singles championship title and distict title. She was named her team's MVP and Player of the Year. Briceno was the first state champion to come from her high school. She was the recipient of the Florida Dairy Farmers and Gold Academic Scholar Awards.

"Nicole's greatest attribute is her tenacious attitude to fight for every point on the court and her willingness to stay out there as long as she needs to come up with a win," states Longbotham. "She is a very versatile player who loves to come to the net so she will make an immediate impact in both our singles and doubles lineup."

Tokarieva begins her junior season at SMU this fall, having played two seasons at Ole Miss. Last year, she recorded a singles mark of 7-16 and 6-17 doubles mark. Tokarieva, the 2005-06 SEC Freshman of the Year, posted a team-leading 24-7 overall record in 2005-06, going 16-4 in dual matches, including 8-3 in SEC matches. She went undefeated at No. 4 singles (8-0). Prior to Ole Miss, Tokarieva was ranked No. 1 in the Ukraine and No. 212 in the ITF.

"We are very excited to have such a talented player such as Kseniia to join our squad," states Longbotham. "Her results during the first two years of her collegiate career show that she is able to complete with the best players in the country. She is an all court player who can outsmart her opponents and come up with big wins."