Dana Hills standout signs With UCI women’s tennis

The UC Irvine women’s tennis program has received a national letter of intent from Dana Hills High senior Kristina Smith, Anteaters Coach Mike Edles announced.

Smith, ranked No. 16 in California and No. 67 in the nation among high school seniors, is rated a five-star recruit by TennisRecruiting.net.

Smith led Dana Hills to their second straight CIF Southern Section Division I championship in 2008.

In 2007, she teamed with partner Brynn Boren to win the CIF Southern Section doubles title.

Maria Smith, Kristina’s mother, played at UCI, representing the Anteaters in the NCAA Division I singles championships.

“Kristina is an extremely patient and smart player with exceptional speed,” Edles said. “Her [playing] style will fit in very well at UCI. Also, Kristina is a complete player and will excel in both singles and doubles.”

UCI was 16-9 last season, when they were runner-up in the Big West Conference championships.

The Anteaters, paced by senior Clare Fermin, begin the dual match portion of their schedule Jan. 21 at USC.

— From staff reports