Brenau Tennis Players Earn SSAC Recognition
The Southern States Athletic Conference honored four Brenau University tennis players with postseason awards. Four players were recognized as SSAC 1st Team, All-Conference performers, while two of the members were selected as "Freshman of the Year" and "Newcomer of the Year
Freshman Vladica Djurdjevic (Jagodina, Serbia), had an overall record of 8-4 in singles matches and 11-3 in doubles matches. She had three significant wins against NAIA ranked players. Coach Andre Ferreira said that ""Vladica is a very powerful player with several weapons and the ability to win the point from any position on the court. She's had to deal with a few annoying injuries throughout the season, keeping her out of the line-up in certain matches and forcing her to play through pain in others. She is a tough competitor and has a bright future ahead of her.'
Additionally, Djurdjevic was named "SSAC Freshman of the Year". Coach Ferreria comments that, "It is a really big deal to become Freshman of the Year in the SSAC, which is arguably the strongest conference in the NAIA. This honor is well-deserved".
Junior Dominika Jasova (Kosice, Slovakia), currently the NAIA #3 ranked player, had an overall record of 12-2. Coach Ferreira noted that, ""Dominika is the 3rd best player in the NAIA for a reason. I believe her biggest virtue is that she is not only a good tennis player, but a tremendous competitor. She is a smart player who understands very well her strengths and weaknesses. She finds a way to win matches, and she definitely doesn't like to lose".
Jasova was also named "SSAC Newcomer of the Year". Coach Ferreira said, "Dominika has had a fantastic season, defeating several ranked players along the way and the only losses were against the No. 1 player in the NAIA. Receiving this recognition from the SSAC is a reflection of her results and performances throughout the season."
Sophomore Maria Perdomo Medina (Canary Island, Spain) is the NAIA #40 ranked player. Her overall record is 9-4 in singles and 10-4 in doubles. Coach Ferreira discussed her versatility, saying, "Maria may not have an obvious weapon: she doesn't have a big serve, forehand or backhand. But no one can deny her talent. Her ability to hit any shot in the game, change up the pace, spin and depth with incredible precision makes up for any lack of power. And her touch is out of this world. Add this to her hard work and commitment over the past two seasons, and it is easy to notice Maria's progress. She is developing into a stronger player both mentally and physically, on and off the courts."
Junior Zalina Nazarova (Nalchik, Russia) had a 10-2 record in singles and 10-4 in doubles. Coach Ferreira notes her energy and passion saying, "Zalina brings tremendous energy to our team. Her intensity and passion in practices, matches, on the bus and just about anywhere is contagious. She moves extremely well on the court, very smooth and natural. She has developed confidence over the past few months, and has become a very solid player".