April 8, 2015
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – As announced by the Southeastern Conference Wednesday morning, the Vanderbilt women’s tennis team swept SEC weekly awards, earning both Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors.
Sophomore Sydney Campbell was named the SEC Player of the Week for her outstanding performance on Friday against the Gamecocks and Sunday against the Florida Gators. A Franklin, Tenn. native, Campbell defeated No. 5 Brooke Austin in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. The win over Austin was Campbell’s 33rd singles win this year, breaking the Vanderbilt single season win record of 32 wins set last year by fellow teammate Marie Casares.
Campbell’s hard work this weekend not only earned her a nod from the SEC, but also from the ITA as she moved up five spots and into the ITA top 10 as the No. 7 player in the nation.
Redshirt freshman Astra Sharma earned her first SEC honor as well, being named the SEC Freshman of the Week. The Perth, Australia native earns the honor after clinching the doubles point and the upset over Florida in singles play. Sharma went undefeated last weekend in singles and doubles, earning three ranked wins.
Sharma earned had her most impressive win to date on Sunday, defeating the then 7th ranked player in the nation, Josie Kuhlman, 6-3, 6-5. Kuhlman is the highest ranked opponent Sharma has ever competed against, or beaten. Alongside doubles partner, senior Ashleigh Antal, the tandem remain undefeated at the No. 2 spot and are now the top ranked Commodore duo at No. 15.
The Commodore squad wraps up regular season play this weekend, as the travel south to take on Texas A&M Friday and LSU on Sunday.
