LEXINGTON, Ky. ? Freshman Megan Broderick (Tampa, Fla.) of the UK women?s tennis team was named SEC Freshman of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday afternoon. This will be the second time the honor has been given to Broderick. The freshman currently holds a 14-3 singles record and plays at the No. 2 position.
After a 10-day recess, the UK women?s tennis team came back into conference action with a bang. The team started the weekend at home on Friday March 21 at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex against Alabama. Kentucky then traveled to Auburn, Ala. on Sunday to face the No. 30 Tigers. The Wildcats knocked down both teams with a 5-2 win against Alabama and a 4-3 victory at Auburn.
In a sweep of doubles against Alabama, Broderick and partner junior Carolina Escamilla set the stage by defeating Paulina Bigos and Andrea Brenes, 8-3. Broderick clinched the fourth point in singles against Bama?s Paulina Bigos on court two in a three-set decision. The first set went to Broderick, 6-1, but the UK freshman faltered in the second bout, 3-6. Broderick rallied back in the third and final set to secure the Cat win with a 6-2 conclusion. The freshman?s win ensured the victory for Kentucky.
On Sunday, Kentucky played No. 30 Auburn. Points were traded all afternoon, with every UK win being crucial. Halfway through the match the two schools were tied at 2-2. Broderick on court two had a solid first-set win at 6-3. She then rallied against Alex Haney in a second set tie break, only to defeat Haney 7-6. The third point set the stage for the fourth point and the Wildcats? second win of the weekend.
?Megan has grown as a player in strength and technique and has a positive work ethic,? Head Coach Carlos Drada said. ?She has been instrumental in key upsets such as the matches against Michigan and Clemson.?
Broderick now plays at number 2 singles and number 1 doubles positions. She has been as high as No. 95 in singles and No. 50 in doubles with partner junior Carolina Escamilla. The Kentucky freshman was last named SEC Freshman of the Week on February 18.
For complete coverage of women?s tennis, please visit www.ukathletics.com.
