Denver ? Boise State’s Kean Feeder and Fresno State’s Melanie Gloria have been named Western Athletic Conference Men’s and Women’s Tennis Players of the Week, respectively, for March 16-22.
Feeder, a senior from Portland, Ore. (Cascade College), helped the Broncos to a 2-1 record at the prestigious Blue Gray Classic in Montgomery, Ala., over the week. Playing at the No. 2 position, the senior began the tournament by defeating David Pultr of No. 41 Oklahoma, 6-3, 6-2, in BSU’s 4-0 win over the Sooners. He then propelled the 22nd-ranked Broncos to a 4-0 victory against No. 26 Notre Dame with a singles win against Stephen Haven (6-4, 6-0). Along with partner James Meredith, Feeder also helped BSU win the doubles point with an 8-6 win over Notre Dame’s 25th-ranked doubles squad of Tyler Davis and Brett Helgeson. Overall, he finished with a 4-1 record in one of the most competitive tournaments of the year. This marks the second time this year the senior has garnered the weekly WAC honor.
Gloria, a senior from Montreal, Canada (Georges-Vanier), led the Bulldogs to a monumental upset over No. 5 California on Saturday. Leading No. 18 Fresno State at the top position, Gloria (No. 19) defeated the No. 17th-ranked player in the nation, Jana Juricova, 7-6 (4), 6-3. In doubles action, she and her partner Tinesta Rowe (16), played to an 8-6 win over Cal’s No. 9 Cossou/Ilcinkas. The win against Cal is the first time this season any WAC team, men or women, has defeated a top-5 opponent. This marks the second time in as many weeks Gloria has earned the WAC Tennis Player of the Week award.
Other male nominees: Fresno State’s Remi Boutillier, Hawai?i’s Jeff Fitch and Nevada’s Wessim Derbel.
Other female nominees: Boise State’s Vivien Silfany, Hawai?i’s Alyssa Nafarrette, New Mexico State’s Stephanie Eusebe and Utah State’s Hailey Swenson.