GILBERT, Ariz. – The Swarthmore College men's and women's tennis teams were recognized with regional awards by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).
Michael Melnikov was named the ITA Atlantic South Men's Senior Player of the Year while
Rishi Verma was tabbed the Player to Watch as he enters his senior campaign next season. The Garnet women were the region's Community Service Award winner.
Melnikov was chosen the Centennial Conference Player of the Year for the fourth time, becoming the first player in conference history to earn top honors in all four years of his career. He boasts a 32-4 singles record and is 16-11 in doubles play. The senior and seven-time All-American was selected to compete at the NCAA Individual Championships for the fourth consecutive season. Melnikov is currently ranked second in the nation in singles.
Verma went 13-5 in singles matches this year with 10 victories in straight sets. He was 3-0 in Centennial action and earned a win against No. 9 Carnegie Mellon University in the NCAA Tournament. The junior is ranked 13
th in the region by the ITA.
The Swarthmore women (16-7) captured their second consecutive Centennial Conference championship and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
