The University of Akron Athletics
Four Zips Collect Women's Tennis Academic All-MAC Honors
May 17 | Women's Tennis
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CLEVELAND, Ohio — Four University of Akron women's tennis players— senior Martina Zerbola (Neuquen, Argentina) and sophomores Ariadna Blinova (Riga, Latvia), Sophia Geier (Burgebrach, Germany) and Carli Knezevich (Austin, Texas)— were named to the Academic All-Mid-American Conference women's tennis team announced on Tuesday, May 17.
To be eligible for the Academic All-MAC honor, student-athletes must have at least a 3.20 grade-point average, must have participated in at least half of the team's contests and must be of at least sophomore academic standing.
"Here at Akron we are proud of the well rounded student-athletes that come through our programs," Zips head coach Brandon Padgett said. "I am especially proud of these young women, who have displayed that they are not only talented on the court, but are more than capable of excelling in the classroom too. My personal philosophy is to assist these young women in developing to their full potential emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially, so to see them succeed is all that I could ever ask for."
Zerbola, who sports a 3.96 GPA in Accounting, was the only senior on an exceptionally young team. A two-time academic selection, she opened the spring season at No. 5 singles and played primarily at the No. 4 spot. Zerbola recorded a 6-2 conference singles record and concluded play at No. 3 doubles with a 4-3 MAC mark. Zerbola ended 11-10 overall in singles and 13-7 in doubles play during the 2015-16 season.
Blinova, who has a 3.32 GPA in Civil Engineering, was the recipient of the MAC's 2016 Player of the Year Award and a first-team All-MAC pick. The sophomore played the season at No. 1 and No. 2 singles with a 8-0 league record and 22-4 mark overall.
Geier, who boasts a 3.93 GPA in Sport Management, served as one of the team captains of the Zips' young team. She played mostly at No. 2 singles, going 7-1 in MAC play and 19-7 overall. A Second Team All-MAC selection, Geier was a part of the Zips' No. 2 doubles tandem, going 5-1 in conference action.
Knezevich, who exhibits a 3.28 GPA in Sport Management, played throughout the lineup, finishing 11-11 in singles and 14-10 in doubles. She partnered with Geier at No. 2 doubles for a 5-1 conference record.
Akron concluded the 2015-16 season at 15-10 overall and 5-3 MAC.
Akron 2016 Women's Tennis Academic All-MAC Selections
Ariadna Blinova, Akron, So., 3.32 – Civil Engineering
Sophia Geier, Akron, So., 3.93 – Sport Management
Carli Knezevich, Akron, So., –3.28 – Sport Management
Martina Zerbola, Akron, Sr., –3.96 – Accounting
Players Mentioned
