LEXINGTON, Ky. ? Sophomore Christine Johnston of the UK women?s tennis team was named SEC Player of the Week for the first time, the league office announced Tuesday afternoon.

On Saturday, the Wildcats had a doubleheader against Middle Tennessee State and East Tennessee State. Johnston defeated Shannon Hartmann of MTSU, 6-1, 6-1 at No. 2 singles. She also defeated Yevgeniya Stupak of ETSU, 6-3, 6-2 at No. 1 singles. This weekend marked the first time Johnston stepped out to play at No. 1 and No. 2 in singles.

Johnston pairs with junior Carolina Escamilla in doubles, showing to be a very competitive team ranked at the No. 20 spot. The pair was successful during both matches, defeating MTSU?s Hartmann and Stephanie Parkison, 8-1, and ETSU?s Stupak and Olya Batsula, 8-4, at No. 1 doubles.

The sophomore has made a huge leap in her game during this season. She has maintained an undefeated singles record (7-0) and is a very strong competitor on the court. Johnston shows to have great endurance, winning both singles matches that have gone into a third set. Her wins have been critical to the success of the Kentucky women?s tennis team (6-1 overall) this season, helping to turn matches around when the Cats have lost the doubles point.

Being only a sophomore, Johnston has made great progress in her game and technique, and shows great promise in future matches and seasons. She is also a strong force off the court, providing leadership and encouragement to her teammates.

For more information on women?s tennis, please visit www.ukathletics.com.