Winning is becoming common ground for Oregon junior Daria Panova.
After battling through an injury to her upper back and left index finger that left her status questionable before the tournament, Panova triumphed to win her third straight Pacific-10 Conference Women’s singles title this weekend. The Russian native defeated Daniella Bercek from UCLA in straight sets, 6-4 and 6-3, to capture the 2004 Pac-10 Indoor Championship, held at the Nordstrom Tennis Center in Seattle.
Head coach Nils Schyllander told his star player after her match that he is proud of her storied career at Oregon.
“She is probably the toughest person I’ve met in my life and the toughest I will ever meet,” Schyllander said. “She is so relentless when it comes to competing. She is a world-class competitor.”
The list of accomplishments continues to grow for Panova after being named the 2003 Pac-10 Women’s Player of the Year and winning both the indoor and outdoor championships last year.
“Daria is a warrior for us,” Schyllander said. “She is as tough as nails and always rises to the occasion.”
The success did not stop there for the Ducks.
Senior Davina Mendiburu secured the Flight IV singles title after defeating California’s Monica Wiesener in a hard-fought three-set match, 2-6, 6-1 and 6-4. It was one year ago that Mendiburu underwent reconstructive knee surgery after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament.
“This was (Davina’s) first tournament since the surgery,” Schyllander said. “If she returns to form, she will make a big impact this year.”
Freshman Monica Hoz de Vila also claimed the Fight III Consolation title after defeating Chris Martinez of Washington State by default.
Other Pac-10 teams are starting to take notice of a healthy Oregon squad after a disappointing last season that was decimated by injuries.
“(They have) a lot of depth with the new players (Schyllander) has added this year,” Washington head coach Patty McCain said. “With the experience and talent of Panova and Courtney Nagle, they will be a force to be reckoned with.”
Oregon will begin playing dual matches Jan. 24, when it plays host to Sacramento State.

Transfer makes impact
Markus Schiller transferred from Auburn and arrived on campus just two weeks ago. In his first tournament as a Duck, he has already made a strong impression on the coaching staff after winning the Corvallis John and Phil’s Tournament at the Timber Hills Racket Club.
Schiller defeated Oren Montevassel from Bell Canyon, Calif., in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-4, to claim the championship.
“I am very pleased with Markus,” head coach Chris Russell said. “It was really a big-time win. He is really going to help us out.”
The Oregon men will start dual matches on Jan. 25 as they host Santa Clara at the Student Tennis Center.