RICHARDSON, Texas – The University of Texas at Tyler women’s tennis team received 18 awards in the annual American Southwest Conference postseason honors, the league office announced on Wednesday.

Senior Beth Launius (LaGrange, Texas) and head coach Chris Bizot headlined the list by being named ASC East Player and Coach of the Year, respectively. Launius was also named ASC East Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year.

Sydni Hermsdorf (Spring, Texas) also received a major ASC East award, as she was named Freshman of the Year.

In the All-ASC honors, UT Tyler players were named to the list in five of nine positions. Sophomore Michelle Hagler (Austin, Texas), sophomore Lauren Giovannini (Dallas, Texas) and junior Brittany Ude (Corpus Christi, Texas) were named to the All-Conference team at the second, fourth and sixth singles positions, respectively.

For the doubles honors, Launius and Hagler picked up the award at the No. 1 position, while Hermsdorf and freshman Hillary Stone (Keller, Texas) were the All-ASC selection at No. 3.

The Patriots dominated the All-ASC East awards as well, by taking all nine first team spots.

Launius, Hagler, Hermsdorf, Giovannini, Ude and freshman Morgan Wilkins (Wimberley, Texas) each earned their respective All-Division honors at positions one through six.

The teams of Launius and Hagler and Hermsdorf and Stone earned the All-ASC East honor for the same doubles position in which they were named All-ASC.

In addition to the two repeats, Ude and Giovannini picked up the third divisional doubles honor at the No. 2 position.

Wednesday’s awards were yet another highlight in an amazing 2009 season for UT Tyler. The Patriots went 17-8 on the year, won their fourth straight ASC East title and second consecutive ASC Championship.

On May 8, UT Tyler will compete in the NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis National Championship tournament for the second straight year. The Patriots' first opponent and regional destination will be announced on May 4.