March 15, 2006

PARK RIDGE, Ill. - Illini sophomore Macall Harkins was named Big Ten Player of the Week after helping the Orange and Blue overcome a hot Louisville team riding a four-match win streak. Illinois trailed 2-1, but rallied to win 5-2 and snap a five-match losing streak. The Illlini's 26th-ranked pair of Harkins and junior Emily Wang improved their dual match record to 5-3 with their 8-6 victory over Maria Klokotzky and Robyn White on court one. In singles, with the Illini down, 1-0, Harkins helped set the tone for Illinois, winning her match at No. 1 6-4, 6-1 over Louisville ace Klokotzky. This is the first career weekly conference honor for the Verdes Estates, Calif., native.

"Macall has shifted to a higher gear the last couple of weeks," head coach Sujay Lama said. "Her physical and mental preparation has been exceptional. She has become a leader for our team and I'm excited for her to earn this award."