WOMEN'S TENNIS

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BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo women's tennis squad presented its team awards for the 2000-01 season at the annual Athletic Awards Banquet held on May 1 at Samuel's Grande Manor.

Head coach Kathy Twist made the following presentations: Meaghan Partelow (Lyons, NY/Lyons) was selected as the Top Newcomer; Kendra Pyke (Watertown, NY/Watertown) earned the Most Improved Player Award; Shani Amarasinghe (Patchogue, NY/Patchogue-Medford) received the Coach's Award; and Karen Maynard (Poughkeepsie, NY/Spackenkill) was named the team's Most Valuable Player.

The Top Newcomer Award is presented to the individual student- athlete who distinguishes herself as the most talented new player on the team or the individual who accomplishes the greatest achievements as a first-year player. Partelow finished the year with a 2-10 overall record and a 1-8 MAC record, playing mostly fifth singles. Her 6-3, 6-4 victory on April 6 over Akron's Melissa Emich at fifth singles was UB's third singles victory in the match and, when combined with the doubles point, gave the Bulls their first-ever MAC win.

The Most Improved Player Award is presented to the student- athlete who has made the greatest stride or improvement in her performance from the previous season or from the beginning of the season to the end of the season. Pyke picked up her first career win this season with a 4-6, 6-4, 10-7 win at fourth singles in a 5-2 UB victory over Canisius on September 24 at the Nike Fall Classic held at St. Bonaventure. Pyke finished the season with a 2-8 overall record and a 1-4 MAC record at fourth singles. She also teamed with Jennifer Wong (Penfield, NY/Penfield) for an 8-4 victory at second doubles over Akron's Sara Hirschy and Melissa Emich, securing the doubles point in Buffalo's first-ever MAC victory.

The Coach's Award is selected by the head coach and is given to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the team virtues as defined by the head coach. The recipient is one who stands out in dedication, commitment, unselfishness and enthusiasm towards helping the team improve. Amarasinghe turned in solid performances at second doubles for the Bulls throughout the season while also serving as team co-captain.

The Most Valuable Player Award is given to the student-athlete who makes the most significant contribution to the accomplishments of the team through her skills and leadership. Maynard was Buffalo's top singles player this past season, posting a 1-10 overall record at first singles. Maynard's victory was a 6-4, 6-1 win over Arianna Rojas-Serpa in Buffalo's win over Akron.

The Bulls completed their season with a 3-16 overall dual meet record and a 1-8 Mid-American Conference record.