April 13, 2010

PARK RIDGE, Ill. - Illini senior Megan Fudge was named Big Ten Athlete of the Week for the fifth time in her career and second this season, announced Tuesday by the conference office. Fudge went 2-0 at No. 1 singles last weekend to secure her fourth straight 20-win season.

In action at No. 22 Iowa on April 10, Fudge helped lead the Illini to their first victory of the season over a top-25 opponent, as she topped No. 55 Sonja Molnar, 6-1, 6-3 for her team-best fifth win over a nationally ranked foe. The following day at Minnesota, the Kaarst, Germany, native rallied back to defeat Alessandra Ferrazzi, 4-6, 6-2, 1-0 (10-8), in addition to teaming up with Leigh Finnegan at No. 2 doubles for an 8-4 victory over Tijana Koprivica and Jackie Sperling.

Illinois jumped 10 spots to a season-best No. 26 in the latest Campbell's/ITA national rankings released today, while Fudge checked in at No. 90 in singles and No. 51 in doubles with Finnegan.

The Illini return to the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex this weekend for their final home matches of the regular season, beginning with No. 33 Ohio State on Saturday, April 17 at noon.