Bolivian tennis player Pablo Numbela returns to lead Campbellsville University this spring as the No. 9 ranked singles player in the NAIA East Region. Numbela is also ranked sixth for doubles play with teammate Angel Marquez.

"Pablo is an incredible player, and now with a year of experience under his belt, he is going to be a touch match for anyone in the conference. He has dedicated himself to a new level of fitness and is geared for success," CU head coach Kyle Caven said.

Numbela, who is paired at doubles with Marquez for the first time, is the only CU player ranked by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association to start the year. Zac Maylon and Terry Caven join in at No. 11 in the doubles rankings.

"It is a blessing for these guys to be honored with these awards so early in their career. Last year they were all freshman, and this proves that they have what it takes to be successful in college tennis. They work extremely hard, and it paid off by getting noticed for these awards. They know that this is only the beginning, and they will take this motivation to pursue a Mid-South Conference title this upcoming season," Caven said.

Numbela came to CU from Cochabamba, Bolivia, where he was ranked third in the under-18 singles last year. He was named an NCCAA All-American last spring in both singles and doubles.

Marquez, a sophomore from Venezuela, was a Top 15 Under-16 player before coming to the U.S. Although he has only played a few tournaments in the U.S., he has gained state rankings in Kentucky as well.

Maylon, a sophomore from Toronto, Canada, was also highly ranked back home. He paired up with Terry Caven, a sophomore from Magnolia, Ky., last season in a mix at No. 2 and No.3 doubles on the team. They were one of the most consistent duos CU had all spring. Coach Caven said they turned up the heat on their opponents in the NCCAA National Tournament last spring and didn't lose a match there. Terry was a two-time regional doubles champion and three-time Kentucky state qualifier.