LAS VEGAS — The UNLV women’s tennis team closed out its fall campaign Sunday with a solid performance at the Jolene Watanabe Classic, winning four singles matches on the final day of competition at the Fertitta Tennis Complex on the UNLV campus.
The annual fall event, named in honor of the late tennis professional Jolene Watanabe, featured players from UNLV, Cal Poly, and Utah Tech, providing one last opportunity for teams to assess their rosters before the dual-match season begins in January.
Kliuch Claims Top Flight Title
Sophomore Veronika Kliuch highlighted the Rebels’ weekend, capturing the top flight championship with a straight-set victory over Candela Aparisi of Cal Poly, 7–5, 6–3. Kliuch displayed composure throughout the tournament, rebounding from tight early-round matches to secure her second singles title of the fall.
“Veronika played a very smart match from start to finish,” said UNLV head coach [Coach’s Name]. “Her consistency from the baseline and ability to finish points under pressure were the difference today.”
Rebels Add Three More Singles Wins
Fellow Rebel Eszter Kis-Czacko battled through a hard-fought three-setter to defeat Kennedy Buntock (Cal Poly), rallying from a set down to win 3–6, 6–1, 1–0 (10–7). The sophomore showcased grit and improved conditioning — key areas of focus during UNLV’s fall training block.
Junior Hudson Hawkins delivered one of the day’s most commanding performances, defeating Jessica MacCallum (Cal Poly) 6–0, 6–3. Hawkins, a transfer who joined the program this year, has quickly established herself as one of the team’s most reliable point-producers.
Sophomore Sofiia Sokolvak rounded out UNLV’s list of winners by sweeping Cameron Hendrix of Utah Tech 6–3, 6–0. Sokolvak controlled the tempo from the opening serve, using a heavy forehand and consistent returns to close out the match in under an hour.
Competitive Field and Tight Matches
The three-day Watanabe Classic provided a competitive environment for all programs involved. Matches featured super tiebreakers in lieu of third sets, producing several closely contested outcomes. Despite a few narrow losses, including Kaho Oyama’s 5–7, 7–5, 1–0 (10–8) defeat to Sarah MacCallum (Cal Poly), the Rebels demonstrated depth across multiple flights.
Freshman Adi Bitton and redshirt freshman Sabrina Novruzova also gained valuable match experience, each facing nationally competitive opponents in their respective draws.
“The fall is about growth and learning how to compete,” added [Coach’s Name]. “We had several close matches that could have gone either way, and those experiences will prepare us for the dual season.”
Looking Ahead to Spring 2025
With the fall schedule now complete, UNLV will turn its focus to the upcoming 2025 spring dual-match season, which begins January 30 when the Rebels host Weber State at the Fertitta Tennis Complex.
The spring campaign will feature a mix of home and road matches against regional and nationally ranked opponents, as the Rebels aim to build on their competitive momentum and return to Mountain West Conference contention.
UNLV’s fall season included appearances at the ITA Regional Championships, the Rebel Invitational, and the Jolene Watanabe Classic, giving younger players such as Bitton and Novruzova their first taste of collegiate-level competition.
Final-Day Singles Results (Nov. 9, 2025)
Fertitta Tennis Complex — Las Vegas, NV
- Veronika Kliuch (UNLV) def. Candela Aparisi (CP) — 7-5, 6-3
- Eszter Kis-Czacko (UNLV) def. Kennedy Buntock (CP) — 3-6, 6-1, 1-0 (10-7)
- Hudson Hawkins (UNLV) def. Jessica MacCallum (CP) — 6-0, 6-3
- Sofiia Sokolvak (UNLV) def. Cameron Hendrix (UTT) — 6-3, 6-0
- Sarah MacCallum (CP) def. Kaho Oyama (UNLV) — 5-7, 7-5, 1-0 (10-8)
- Tia Jakupovic-Jljako (CP) def. Adi Bitton (UNLV) — 6-3, 6-0
- Nutsa Tsintsadze (UTT) def. Sabrina Novruzova (UNLV) — 6-1, 6-1
Players Mentioned
Veronika Kliuch (So.), Eszter Kis-Czacko (So.), Hudson Hawkins (Jr.), Sofiia Sokolvak (So.), Kaho Oyama (So.), Adi Bitton (Fr.), Sabrina Novruzova (RS Fr.)
About the Jolene Watanabe Classic
The Jolene Watanabe Classic is an annual collegiate tennis event hosted by UNLV in honor of former professional player Jolene Watanabe, who passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer. Watanabe was known for her sportsmanship and commitment to athlete development, and the tournament bearing her name serves as a celebration of competitive spirit and community within college tennis.
Source: UNLVRebels.com (Official Athletics Department)
Reporting by Marcus Vega, Sports Correspondent – Las Vegas Newspaper
Leave a Reply