Nugget in the Rough

Nicole Bouffler

 

By Michael Bower
Online Forty-Niner
Sports Editor

No. 65-ranked Nicole Bouffler of the 49ers' women's tennis team defeated No.55-ranked Nicole Anderson of Georgia Tech in straight sets at the Riviera Championships last week, making her our Nugget in the Rough this week.

Bouffler defeated Anderson 6-3, 6-0, in her opening match of the tournament, and then fell 5-7, 7-5, 2-6 to the No.4 seed in the bracket, Carolin Walter of Baylor.

"I was very pleased with the way Nicole played [Oct.5],' 49ers' Head Coach Jenny Hilt-Costello. "She beat a girl ranked above her ... Nicole battled hard against a top opponent. She had some opportunities that she wasn't able to capatilize on, but it was a great experience for her. I'm really proud of the way she competed."

Bouffler, a senior from Australia, was named first team All-Big West in singles and doubles last season. She led the 49ers to the Big West Conference Championship.

Bouffler concluded the season with a No.88 ranking in the country in singles play. She finished 26-11 in singles play and 27-8 in doubles play.