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Sun Devil Duo Soars to No. 2 in ITA Poll

Sun Devil Duo Soars to No. 2 in ITA PollSun Devil Duo Soars to No. 2 in ITA Poll
TEMPE –  The Sun Devil All-American duo of John-Baptiste/Hattingh has reached new heights this week, earning a spot as the No. 2 doubles tandem in the nation in the latest Oracle/ITA doubles rankings.
 
"I'm really happy for both Lauryn and Ilze," associate head coach Matt Langley said. "They have achieved a lot already as a doubles team, being named All-Americans last year, and this latest ITA/Oracle National ranking is a testament to their continued success."  
 
John-Baptiste/Hattingh improved four places to No. 2 this week after a stretch of impressive victories over three pairings currently ranked in the top-22.
 
"They have consistently beaten ranked opposition at the top of the lineup all year and are definitely deserving of their current position," Langley said. "I've been telling them for a while that I believe they're the best doubles team in the country when they're playing the right way, and I feel as though they're now playing with a lot of confidence and belief as a team, which is great to see."
 
The duo has been vital in helping the Devils grab the doubles point in three of their first four Pac-12 matches this year. During their conference-opening weekend, the second-ranked squad handled No. 20 Valdes/Kulikov then downed No. 22 Bolton/Hart of UCLA. Last weekend, they opened the Bay Area series with a win over No. 12 Lampl/Yee.
 
Along with the Devils' court one duo, court three's Hampton/Alicea found themselves in the rankings for the first time this season as No. 65.
 
Hampton/Alicea have been consistent on court three after dropping their first match of the new year, playing their way to a 6-3 record and winning five straight between February 16 and March 15.
 
In singles play, John-Baptiste leads the way with a No. 87 rank, and Ilze Hattingh jumped into the top-150 at 109.
 
John-Baptiste's biggest win of the season came when she upset No. 10 Elysia Bolton of UCLA, and Hattingh has toppled two ranked opponents in the top-80 since moving up to court one.
 
The newly ranked Devils and the All-American tandem will be back in action this weekend as the Sun Devils host Utah and Colorado Friday and Saturday at the Whiteman Tennis Center.