Clayton State University Athletics

Gandia and Chergova Named ITA Doubles All-Americans
May 2005

A 5-7 freshman from Almansa, Spain, Gandia finished the season ranked sixth in the nation in the ITA singles poll, the highest ranking of any player in Clayton State history. She will more than likely receive All-America honors, as the top-20 singles players in NCAA Division II receive the honor later this year. Earlier this season, she was named the Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year, as well as, a member of the All-Conference team.

She finished the season with a 16-2 record in singles and had several impressive wins, including a win over Columbus State University’s Diana Gherghi, the nation's third-ranked singles player, and also a win over the nation's eighth-ranked player in Nicole Pilkat from the University of West Florida. Gandia’s only losses on the season came when she was forced to retire in a match against a player from NCAA Division I St. Louis University due to an ankle sprain and to Armstrong Atlantic State’s Luisa Cowper, the nation’s fourth-ranked player.

In addition to her superb play in singles, Gandia also teamed with Julia Chergova to compile a 14-4 record in doubles. The duo finished the season ranked third in the nation in doubles and also has a good shot at All-America honors.