May 3, 2004

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina women's tennis team, ranked 15th in the nation, announced its 2004 team awards at a banquet on Saturday held at the Carolina Club. Head Coach Brian Kalbas handed out honors for most valuable player, best attitude and most improved player.

Freshman Sara Anundsen won the Kitty Harrison Most Valuable Player award as voted on by her teammates. This award is named after former UNC women's tennis head coach, Katherine "Kitty" Harrison, who was elected to the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame in January 2004. Harrison was head coach from 1976 until 1998 when she retired as the winningest tennis coach in Atlantic Coast Conference history.

"Kitty has meant everything to this program and to this wonderful institution," said Kalbas. "Every player who steps on the court and wears the Carolina Blue should thank Kitty for all her commitment and dedication to tennis and the Tar Heel program."

Anundsen, from Littleton, Colo., has a team-high number of wins (28-9, 5-3 ACC), playing the season at the three, four and five seeds in dual play. The Tar Heel also accumulated a 20-11 doubles record, playing mainly at the third seed. Paired with fellow freshman Jenna Long, Anundsen went 6-1 in ACC matches. Anundsen also earned a national ranking of 65 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association from January 13 to February 23.

"Although she is only a freshman, her teammates recognized her dedication and commitment to herself and the team," said Kalbas. "She competes the way she practices - with desire and focus."

The award for most improved player went to senior and team captain Lee Bairos. Bairos, from Sarasota, Fla., (15-19) played in the two spot for the Tar Heels this season, moving up from playing last year as a five seed. She also played at No. 2 in doubles with a 22-9 record, including a 9-2 record with fellow senior Kendrick Bunn late in the season.

"Lee has demonstrated incredible improvements in her game," said Kalbas. "It is great to see a senior have her best year. Every facet of her game has improved and this has enabled Lee to compete successfully at the top of our singles line-up."

Bunn and junior Brooke Sagalowsky both won the award for best attitude. Bunn, a fifth-year senior from Wilson, N.C., went 11-6 in singles and 17-7 in doubles.

"Kendrick is the ultimate team player," said Kalbas. "She will give 110 percent every time and never gets down on herself. Her talents, desire and positive attitude have been instrumental in our team's success this year."

Sagalowsky, a junior transfer from Indianapolis, Ind., also earned the honor for being a team player.

"Brooke has really brought an energetic positive attitude to our team," said Kalbas. "She is always smiling and willing to do anything to help the team be successful."

Carolina finished the regular season 19-8 and 4-4 in the ACC, and lost to eventual champion, Clemson, in the 2004 ACC Tournament semifinal match. According to the poll released on Monday by the ITA, Carolina is ranked 15th with junior Aniela Mojzis ranked 21st in singles and with junior Kendall Cline and Mojzis ranked 19th in doubles.

On Wednesday, the National Collegiate Athletic Association will announce bids and regional sites for the 2004 women's tennis championships. The selection show will air on ESPN News from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.