Feb. 28, 2012

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Samford's Kristin Lewis was named the Southern Conference's Women's Tennis Player of the Week Tuesday after the Bulldogs' sophomore netter turned in an unblemished record in both singles and doubles play last week. The honor, which was awarded by the SoCon league office, was Lewis' first of the season.

Lewis was named the SoCon Player of the Week for all matches played Feb. 20-26. A native of Odenville, Ala., Lewis posted an unblemished 4-0 record last week as she won both of her singles and doubles matches.

The Bulldogs picked up a pair of wins last week, knocking off cross-town rival UAB, 7-0, before defeating UTSA, 7-0. The player of the week selection is made by the conference office.

Competing at the top singles position, Lewis cruised to a 6-1, 6-3 win over UAB's Paula Alvarez last Wednesday. The Odenville, Ala., native then topped UTSA's Stefanie Peana, 6-2, 6-1 for her second straight-set win of the week. Lewis has now won her last five singles matches at the top of Samford's lineup.

Lewis teamed with Lindsey Mallory at No. 1 doubles for Samford and the duo posted an 8-6 win over UAB's Isabel Fernandez and Alvarez. Lewis and Mallory topped UTSA's Peana Isabelle Jonsson 8-6 to run their record to a perfect 8-0 this season.

Other top performers in the SoCon included Appalachian State's Gabriela Celi, Davidson's Brites Moniz-Soares, Elon's Frida Jansaker, Furman's Alex Moreno-Kaste, Georgia Southern's Paula Garrido, UNCG's Niltooli Wilkins, Chattanooga's Jenna Nurik and Western Carolina's Karen Jimenez.

SoCon Women's Tennis Player of the Week

Feb. 14 - Paola Garrido, Georgia Southern
Feb. 21 - Samantha Maddox, College of Charleston
Feb. 28 - Kristin Lewis, Samford