Feb. 19, 2009

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - While the team held steady at No. 22 for the third consecutive week, University of Tennessee junior netter Caitlin Whoriskey improved her national singles ranking by 47 spots on Thursday, jumping to No. 45 in the nation in the most recent edition of the Campbell/Intercollegiate Tennis Association women's tennis poll.

Playing in the top positions in both the singles and doubles lineups, the East Sandwich, Mass., native has led the Lady Vols to a 4-1 record thus far this season, including wins over No. 37 Illinois and Purdue, as well as a pair of triumphs over No. 29 Virginia. Previously ranked No. 92, she is tied for the team lead with a 13-8 overall record that includes a squad best five victories over ranked opponents. In doubles action, Whoriskey has amassed a 12-8 mark despite having played with three different partners this year.

Senior Samantha Orlin also earned a singles ranking on Thursday, coming in at No. 112 in the poll. A native of Miami, Fla., she is 12-6 on the year, including a stellar 4-1 mark in dual-match action while splitting time between the third, fourth and fifth spots in the lineup. Currently in the midst of a three-match winning streak, Orlin has emerged victorious in seven of her past 10 singles contests.

In the doubles poll, the duo of Whoriskey and sophomore Maria Sorbello earned placement as the No. 26-ranked pairing in the country. Although it has yet to compete together this spring, the Tennessee tandem put together a strong fall slate, going 7-4 with three of those wins coming against ranked opponents.

The Orange and White will return to action this Friday when it hosts No. 44 Indiana at 4 p.m. at the Goodfriend Tennis Center in Knoxville. The squad will then host 51st-ranked Yale for a Noon showdown on Sunday before taking 11 days off to prepare for its Southeastern Conference opener against No. 67 Mississippi State at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 6. UT will also welcome No. 53 Ole Miss to Rocky Top that weekend, as it will square off with the Rebels at 1 p.m. just two days later.