Friday, 04/27/2012

MADISON, Wis. -- Senior Alaina Trgovich was recognized as a second-team All-Big Ten honoree when the Big Ten Conference announced its women's tennis award winners at the tournament banquet Thursday night.

Trgovich was the lone Badger to receive All-Big Ten honors. The senior entered the 2011 Big Ten Women's Tennis Tournament with a 12-10 singles record, with four of those wins coming from the No. 1 spot. The Munster, Ind., native earned her first career victory over a ranked opponent after knocking off then-No. 65 Leslie Hureau of Indiana at the top spot on April 15. Trgovich also posted a team-best 14-9 doubles mark.

Trgovich's award marks the second-straight year Wisconsin has received second-team All-Big Ten honors after Jenny Hois was named an honoree last season.

The Big Ten also recognized 12 student-athletes for their sportsmanship and ethical behavior in addition to good academic standing with the Sportsmanship Award. Sophomore Nicky Stracar won the award for UW. The Jericho, N.Y., native finished the regular season with a 9-8 doubles record, while going 6-11 in singles.

Nebraska's Mary Weatherholt was named Big Ten Athlete of the Year, while Emina Bektas earned the conference's Freshman of the Year award. Michigan's Ronni Bernstein and Nebraska's Scott Jacobson each earned a share of Coach of the Year honors.

The Badgers lost their opening round match at the Big Ten Tournament Thursday, falling to No. 53 Indiana, 4-0, in Columbus, Ohio

WOMEN'S TENNIS ALL-BIG TEN Honors

First Team All-Big Ten
Allison Falkin, Illinois
Melissa Kopinski, Illinois
Leslie Hureau, Indiana
SONJA MOLNAR, Iowa
EMINA BEKTAS, Michigan
BROOKE BOLENDER, Michigan
Natallia Pintusava, Minnesota
MARY WEATHERHOLT, Nebraska
Belinda Niu, Northwestern
KATE TURVY, Northwestern
PETRA JANUSKOVA, Penn State
Jennifer Rabot, Purdue

Second Team All-Big Ten

Marisa Lambropoulus, Illinois
Sarah Lee, Michigan
Patricia Veresova, Nebraska
Brittany Wowchuck, Northwestern
Chelsea Utting, Penn State
Alaina Trgovich, Wisconsin

Unanimous selections in CAPS

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Athlete of the Year: Mary Weatherholt, Nebraska
Freshman of the Year: EMINA BEKTAS, Michigan
Co-Coach of the Year: Ronni Bernstein, Michigan
Co-Coach of the Year: Scott Jacobson, Nebraska

Unanimous selections in CAPS

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD HONOREES

Melissa Kopinski, Illinois
Sophie Garre, Indiana
Cassandra Escobar, Iowa
Mimi Nguyen, Michigan
Dana Guentert, Michigan State
Alexa Palen, Minnesota
Mary Weatherholt, Nebraska
Veronica Corning, Northwestern
Tiffany Dittmer, Ohio State
Nina Sertic, Penn State
Lynda Xepoleas, Purdue
Nicky Stracar, Wisconsin