VAL FILLIO TAKES 2ND OVERALL IN ACTA SPRING CHARITY TOURNEY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Arlington, VA, April 24, 2005 -- Val Fillio took over a year off to train for her most recent tournament.

It took her less than two days and only three matches to prove to the competition that she's back in top form...with a vengeance.

Showing the finesse and technique that earned her WOTY honors in 2004, Fillio easily dispatched Beth Wilt to open play in the ACTA Women's Singles 3.5 Bracket, and then outdueled Jenny Henman in two sets with a tiebreaker (10-8) in the semifinals. In the finals, Fillio started slowly but finished strong, though it was not enough to overcome eventual champion Tonya Scott.

"Obviously there was some concern with meeting Jenny in the second round, since no doubt Saturday evening she was receiving ample advice from her cousin (#19 ATP ranked) Tim Henman," said Val. "It was indeed a battle of wills."

Fillio endured the ever-changing elements and a grueling schedule which included five matches in the span of less than 30 hours.

"I knew there might be some butterflies when she first came back from the time off," said proud husband and personal trainer, Chris, "But I also knew that once her soles hit those courts, her instincts would kick in."

Assistant coach and son, Alex Fillio, echoed the sentiments.

"Na na na na. Goo. Blah goo goo."

Team Fillio would not indicate where Val might next surface in competition, though all indications point towards a run at Wimbeldon.

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