Vicky Maes proved that she is indeed human.

Maes, the top-ranked player in the nation, lost to Nevada-Las Vegas' Marianne Vallin 7-6, 1-6, 6-3 at the Robson Tennis Center yesterday, ending her 18-0 dual-match streak.

But the No. 4 Arizona women's tennis team (17-2 overall, 6-1 in the Pacific 10 Conference) defeated UNLV 5-1 for its eighth straight win.

"Everyone was looking at me like I had died, but I have lost five matches this year and this is just another one," Maes said. "I am disappointed that I lost, but Vallin was on with her game. She is an extremely good player. I gave it all that I had, but she was better."

Maes is suffering from an inflamed muscle in her right forearm, which limited her selection of shots.

"Marianne was really on. Her serve was much better than the previous matches between the two," UA head coach Becky Bell said. "I give her a lot of credit for how well she played, but Vicky was hurting a little today."

Vallin, the 15th-ranked singles player, used a solid baseline game to prevent her third loss to Maes this year.

"In a way maybe it will take a little bit of pressure off of (Maes) and maybe in some ways it is good," Bell said. "I don't know if a loss is ever good, but the point is that you can learn from a loss."

The rest of the team cruised to easy wins.

Junior Stephanie Sammaritano defeated Lisa Annabro 7-5, 6-3 at No. 2, while at No. 3 sophomore Betsy Miringoff defeated Sofia Alenlus 6-1, 6-0.

Karen Goldstein won 6-0, 6-1 over Maris Linusson and Khristen Pietrucha defeated Ljiljana Kordic 6-1, 6-0 at the No. 5 and 6 positions, respectively.

Freshman Monique Allegre remained unbeaten in singles play with her 6-3, 6-0 win over Jeannette Fylpaa to garner her 10th victory of the season.

"Monique has the ability to do different things. She served extremely well today," Bell said. "She has worked very hard at her game. She has improved tremendously."

UA has its biggest match of the year this weekend, playing host to Stanford on Saturday. The Cardinal is responsible for the only two UA losses this year.

Maes will likely compete Saturday.

Maes' overall record now stands at 39-6, 7-0 in the Pac-10.

"I am sure that this is some kind of school record," Bell said. "I can't remember anyone that has won more than 18 matches in a row."