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Aug. 31, 2010

FLUSHING, N.Y. - Junior Lady Vol tennis player Natalie Pluskota and recent graduate Caitlin Whoriskey were honored by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and the United States Tennis Association over the weekend during a special awards luncheon recognizing the top college tennis players in the country.

Whoriskey and Pluskota finished the 2009-10 season as the No. 1-ranked doubles team in the nation, according the Campbell's/ITA rankings. This earned the talented tandem a spot on the 27th annual ITA All-Star team, which features the nation's top-ranked players and national champions from the 2009-10 season.

As part of being named to the all-star team, Whoriskey and Pluskota were treated by the ITA and USTA to a weekend in New York, highlighted by activities during Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Saturday, Aug. 28th. Included in this were live performances from chart-topping pop superstars Jonas Brothers and TV and recording sensation Demi Lovato.

"The Arthur Ashe Kid's Day was awesome," Pluskota said. "It was so entertaining. It was hands-down one of the most fun things I've ever done. I had a blast all weekend long."

The pair of Lady Volunteers were honored at the ITA awards luncheon, hosted by the USTA in the President's Dining Room Suite. Lucy Garvin, Chairman of the Board and President of the USTA, David A. Benjamin, ITA Executive Director, David Dinkins, former Mayor of New York City and a member of the USTA Board of Directors, were among those on hand to present the awards.

Pluskota, who hails from Newnan, Ga., said that the experience was one she won't soon forget.

"Being able to go to the luncheon and be with the best of the best in the country was truly an honor," Pluskota said. "We got to meet a lot of different people. I got to talk to (former professional and current ESPN tennis analyst). Patrick McEnroe a little bit. That was pretty cool."

The Lady Vol tennis team kicks off its fall tournament season on Sept. 10, as it competes in the SEC Coaches' Tournament in Auburn, Ala.

Fans are reminded to follow the Lady Vols on Twitter at www.twitter.com/UTLadyVols