Men's Tennis Holds Annual Awards Banquet
4/25/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
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The University of Alabama men’s and women’s tennis teams held their annual banquet Thursday night and gave out several awards at the North River Yacht Club.
Both teams have had very successful seasons to this point and will make the NCAA Championship field of 64. Each team is currently ranked in the top 30 in America. The Bama women earned a 17-7 overall record (6-7 SEC) and are currently ranked 30th in the nation, while the men’s squad went 17-9 (5-8 SEC) on the season and are ranked 14th in the nation.
On the men’s side, junior Chris Gostek was voted MVP by his teammates. Gostek compiled an 18-6 singles record on the season and went 14-10 in doubles. He played the majority of both singles and doubles matches at No. 3. Senior Michael Ray Pallares was voted most improved from last season, while senior Bradley Friedman earned the 110% award, given to the player who shows the most effort and commitment. The Academic Award went to junior Christian Brodersen, who has a team-high 3.36 GPA.
“This is a special night for us to gather and recognize the achievements of this year’s team,” men’s head coach Billy Pate said. “I am very proud of their dedication to this program and happy for the award winners. We still have work left to do in the NCAA tournament and hopefully we will be ready to rise to the challenge.”
The women's team MVP Award went to senior Sophie Cremers. Cremers compiled a dual match record of 19-5 for the Crimson Tide and went 8-3 in the SEC. Including the fall Cremers, has a singles record of 28-7. Cremers was also named to the All SEC First Team at the number two singles position.
The X-factor award went to junior Millie Begovic. Begovic played the number one singles position for Alabama, going 11-8 in dual matches. Begovic battled through a wrist injury all year to go 10-6 at number one singles. Begovic is also ranked 55th in doubles with teammate Robin Stephenson.
Freshman Ashley Bentley won the Most Improved Award. playing primarily at the number five singles spot for the Crimson Tide this year. Freshman Melissa Minor received the 110% Award.
“I am extremely proud of our accomplishments this season,” women’s coach Jenny Mainz said. “The team awards are very special because they are voted on by the team and coaching staff. The award recipients are recognized for their commitment, work ethic, level of improvement and achievements on the court.”
The teams will find out when and where they play next on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. The selection show will be aired by ESPNews and will include video footage of the University of Alabama teams. Both teams will gather at Buffalo’s American Grille in Tuscaloosa to watch the selection show.
