University of Minnesota Athletics
Wiecha Named MVP, Muravnik Most Improved
5/19/2011 12:00:00 AM | Tennis
Junior Magdalena Wiecha received the Most Valuable Athlete award. The Brzesko, Poland, native tied for the team lead with 10 wins in the spring season, while playing matches at first, second, third, fourth and fifth singles. Her 17 wins on the year were second on the team behind Natallia Pintusava, who had 18. Wiecha played with six different doubles partners during the fall and spring seasons and combined for 18 wins.
Sophomore Doron Muravnik was recognized with the Most Improved award. The Yavne, Israel, native was not in the opening day lineup for the Gophers, but had a breakout season. She finished the spring season with a 10-10 record, but won her last five matches of the year playing at fourth, fifth and sixth singles. Muravnik led the team with a 6-4 Big Ten record.
Seniors Mariana Spilca and Peta Forsyth shared the Most Enthusiastic award. It was the first time either of the players received the honor. The Most Enthusiastic award is presented to the player who exhibits extraordinary spirit, selflessness and genuine appreciation of being a Gopher. This is the first time since 2007 (Tijana Koprivica, Mikayla Rogers) that two players were recognized.
Freshman Emilie Renault won the Belmar Gunderson award, which is given out by the coaching staff and is presented to the athlete who consistently finds a way to persevere in the midst of adverse conditions and unfavorable odds. Renault did not play in any spring matches and was 4-7 in fall tournament play.
The Gophers, who were plagued with injuries all season, finished the year with an 8-16 record. They advanced to the second round of the Big Ten tournament before falling to No. 1 see and tenth-ranked Michigan.
Players Mentioned
