B1G Release

ROSEMONT, Ill. - Less than a week after earning co-MVP of the Illinois women's tennis team,Melissa KopinskiandAlexis Casatihave garnered All-Big Ten Team honors. The announcement was made by the conference office on Thursday, April 30. Kopinski was also tabbed a Sportsmanship Award honoree.

This marks the third time in four seasons that Kopinski has been named to the All-Big Ten Team, whereas Casati makes her All-Big Ten Team debut in her sophomore season. Kopinski also picked up the honor her freshman and sophomore seasons. As for the Sportsmanship Award, Kopinski also earned the honor her freshman season.

"Being selected, and earning All-Big Ten accolades, is an incredible honor for Melissa and Alexis, and shows that they are two of the top players in our strong conference," shared head coachMichelle Dasso.

Casati played predominately at No. 1 singles for the Fighting Illini. The sophomore put together an 8-3 mark in Big Ten play and finished the season with an overall record of 16-13.

Seeing the most time on the second court, Kopinski also finished with an 8-3 tally in Big Ten action. During Illinois' seven-match winning streak, the senior clinched four of the matches and was the first off of the singles courts in the other three, winning seven-straight matches herself. Kopinski finished her final campaign with the Orange and Blue with an overall record of 19-13.

In regards to Kopinski earning the Sportsmanship Award, Dasso stated, "For four years, Melissa has represented herself, and the University, with class on the court and in the classroom, so this award is very fitting."

Illinois was one of just four conference programs to have multiple athletes named to the All-Big Ten Team. Michigan landed four players on the list, while Northwestern, Ohio State and Illinois each saw a pair of student-athletes earn the accolade.