Jan. 19, 2010

PARK RIDGE, Ill. - Illinois senior Megan Fudge was named this week's Big Ten Player of the Week, it was announced Tuesday afternoon by the conference office. The Kaarst, Germany, native went a combined 4-2 in singles and doubles last weekend at the UCF Quad Tournament in the Illini's first action of the spring season. It is the fourth such honor of her career and the first this season for Illinois. She also earned Illinois' previous Big Ten Athlete of the Week honor last season for the week of April 14, 2009.

Fudge finished with a 2-1 mark in singles play, including victories over No. 62 Francesca Segarelli of Florida State, 7-5, 6-2 and Alexis Rodriguez of Central Florida, 6-1, 6-1. She also picked up a pair of victories in doubles, teaming up with Breanne Smutko to defeat Allison Hodges and Christy Core (UCF), 8-3 and partnered with Kristina Minor to top Paulina Bigos and Antonia Foehse (Alabama), 8-4.

The Illini are back in action this Friday, Jan. 22 at No. 11 Tennessee at 3 p.m.