49ers Ink Two for 2008-09

49ers Ink Two During Early Signing Period
Tennis Signs Two SoCal Natives for 2008-09

November 26, 2007

LONG BEACH-- With two graduations forthcoming, Long Beach State Tennis reloaded with two American high school seniors Julie Luzar (Anaheim/El Dorado HS) and Rachel Manasse (Manhattan Beach/Mira Costa HS), who signed National Letters of Intent to play for the 49ers starting in 2008-09. This is the first time in Head Coach Jenny Hilt-Costello's 11 seasons that she has signed two players during the early signing period.

The 49ers, who reached five of the last six NCAA Tournaments, sign two players that are ranked in the top-20 in the State of California.

“We are pleased to be adding two strong Southern California juniors who are very excited to come to Long Beach State,” said Hilt-Costello. “Each girl is ready to compete for the line up and still have areas they can improve on. They have not peaked which is exactly what we look for. Both girls are have had impressive falls and I think their styles will be successful at the Division-I level. We offered both girls because they are a great fit with our players and program philosophy. It is refreshing to have two talented Southern California junior tennis prospects selected us as their first choice over other opportunities."

Luzar, from El Dorado High School, won the league singles title this past season, reaching the round of 16 at the CIF Southern Sectional for the second consecutive year. Luzar is ranked No. 15 in California and was rated as high as No. 104 in tennisrecruiting.net. Luzar also polished off the resume with a doubles win over the No. 1-ranked pair in the country this past season.

Manasse is the 2006 South Bay Junior 16's Champion out of Mira Costa High School. She is currently ranked No. 14 in the State and has been rated as high as No. 51 nationally by the recruiting database. Manasse also recorded a top-40 singles win as well in the fall.

"I really like Julie's game as she can effectively play both the hard ground stroke or high spin games to counter her oponnents," said Hilt-Costello. "Rachel has a powerful game to go with an energy and confidence that comes from a strong juniors career."

Long Beach State University Athletics

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