Feb. 3, 2009

FRISCO, Texas - The Southland Conference announced its tennis players of the week, and picking up the accolade for Nicholls was sophomore Radu Ionescu for his role in leading the Colonels past NAIA-power Xavier, La. on Saturday.

Ionescu posted wins in No.1 singles and doubles in Nicholls' 7-0 victory over the Gold Rush.

The release from the conference is below.

Enica, Ionescu Named Southland Tennis Players of the Week

Pair of Romanians lead respective teams to victory, earn first weekly honors of 2009

FRISCO, Texas - Nicholls sophomore Radu Ionescu and Stephen F. Austin junior Roxana Enica have been named the Southland Conference's men's and women's tennis players of the week, the league office announced Tuesday.

Ionescu, a native of Bucharest, Romania, earned his first weekly honor of 2009 for his efforts in leading the Colonels to a sweeping road victory of NAIA-power Xavier (La.) on Saturday. Taking part in the No. 1 singles draw, Ionescu made quick work of Xavier ace Mike Green, winning 6-1, 6-2. Against the Gold Rush, a team that qualified for the 2008 NAIA Final Four, Ionescu and teammate Abhaya Prakish combined to win the No. 1 doubles match, 8-6.

Enica becomes the first Ladyjack to be named the conference's player of the week this season. The Constanta, Romania native, won all four of her matches this weekend.

In a team victory Friday against Louisiana Tech, Enica defeated Lady Techsters' ace Ada Makowska, 6-1, 6-2, in singles before grabbing an 8-1 victory in a face-off of top doubles teams. At home Saturday against Houston, Enica continued her winning ways. After dropping the opening set in her match against Lady Cougars' No. 1 Lucy Forward, Enica rallied back for a thrilling 4-6, 7-6, 10-8, victory. Enica also went on to win her doubles match against Houston.

Honorable mention for this week's men's award goes to Southeastern Louisiana sophomore Julien Roussel, UTSA freshman Pedro Zanotelli and Lamar senior Mario Janjic. For the women's award, honorable mention goes to Texas State junior Nyssa Peele, Nicholls State sophomore Florina Nosca and UTSA freshman Micaela Silva. A student-athlete must receive 25-percent of the votes from the league's SIDs in order to qualify for honorable mention.

Each school's SID nominates and votes for the players of the week, though is not permitted to vote for his or her own player.

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