Former 49er Stephanie Bengson to compete in Australian Open in Doubles
1/16/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Jan. 16, 2012
Long Beach, Calif. - Former Long Beach State tennis star Stephanie Bengson has qualified for the doubles draw at the 2012 Australian Open, becoming the first 49er women's tennis player to compete in a major championship in professional women's tennis.
Ranked No. 276 in the world with her partner, Tyra Calderwood, the pair will be representing their home nation of Australia when they face Eva Birnerova and Alberta Brianti in the opening round of the tournament. Bengson and Calderwood were one of 64 pairs to merit entry into this year's tournament.
Bengson led the 49ers in career wins when she graduated in 2008, posting 148 total in a four-year career with Long Beach State. Her 73 singles wins and 75 doubles wins both still rank in the Top 5 at Long Beach State.
A four-time All-Big West selection, Bengson was a key member of the 2006 team that earned Long Beach State's first NCAA Tournament victory, defeating No. 46 New Mexico. Along with Hannah Grady, she was ranked as high as No. 31 in doubles during her time with the 49ers.
