DENVER - Idaho's Abid Akbar and Fresno State's Bianca Modoc have been named the Verizon Western Athletic Conference Tennis Players of the Month for November.
Akbar, a sophomore from Islamabad, Pakistan (Roots School), went a combined 6-1 in singles and doubles matches for the month of November. Akbar battled his way into the semifinals of the singles Gold Flight division at the Pacific Northwest Intercollegiate on Nov. 5-7, posting a 3-1 record. He also teamed up with Jake Knox to win the Gold doubles bracket, going 3-0 against teams from Eastern Washington, Oregon and Washington. Akbar and Knox claimed the doubles title after defeating Washington's duo of Max Manthou and Matt Stith, 8-4.
Modoc, a sophomore from Yorba Linda, Calif. (Esperaza HS), went undefeated in singles and doubles play at the Bulldog Classic on Nov. 12-14. Modoc went 3-0 in singles with her most impressive victory, a 6-0, 6-1 domination of Portland State's Kylea Gleason, coming on the first day of competition. Her toughest challenge came on the final day, as she was pushed to three sets before defeating Saint Mary's Laurie Gingras 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. As impressive as Modoc's singles record was, her doubles record was even better. Modoc finished the Bulldog Classic a perfect 5-0 in doubles play, as she paired up with numerous partners throughout the tournament.
Other male nominees included: Wessim Derbel, Nevada
Other female nominees included: Sonia Klamczynska, Boise State; Michelle Okhremchuk, Nevada