May 12, 2011
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After posting a 19-13 record during his freshman year, Vanderbilt’s Blake Bazarnik was named the ITA Ohio Valley Rookie Player of the Year by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association on Wednesday.
The Kildeer, Ill., native posted an 11-9 record in dual matches this spring, which included a 4-5 mark in conference matches. He was named SEC Freshman of the Week after posting a comeback victory in the No. 4 singles match, en route to helping the Commodores sweep Memphis at home.
In fall tournament play, Bazarnik went 8-4 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the USTA/ITA Ohio Valley regional. He was the only freshman to advance that far in the regional tournament.
Bazarnik was one of 12 freshman across the country to receive top rookie honors from the ITA. The top freshman in the nation will be selected from the 12 regional players, which will be announced later this month.
Bazarnik and the Commodores open NCAA Tournament play in Knoxville, Tenn. at 9 a.m. CT on Friday against No. 37 Virginia Tech.