The University of Akron Athletics
Blinova and Newnes Earn MAC Doubles Team of the Week
April 21 | Women's Tennis
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CLEVELAND, Ohio - University of Akron junior Shannon Newnes (Romford, London) and sophomore Ariadna Blinova (Riga, Latvia) received the Mid-American Conference Women's Tennis Doubles Team of the Week, announced by the league office Wednesday, April 20.
This is the first time the tandem has received the honor and the first for a Zip this season.
Blinova and Newnes paired up to capture a 6-4 triumph over Buffalo's No. 1 duo of Tanja Stojanovska and Dayana Agasieva, handing them their first conference doubles loss on the year. The duo claimed the crucial deciding point to help the Zips in a 4-3 victory over Buffalo in their final home match of the season. Blinova then seized her 11th consecutive match and 20th singles dual match of the season, beating Stojanovska 6-4, 6-1 at the No. 1 position.
"It was a fantastic win for the team this past weekend against Buffalo, and it all started with Ari and Shannon sealing the doubles point for us," said head coach Brandon Padgett. "We continue to receive outstanding individual effort for the betterment of the team. Each match we have different players stepping up, be it in singles or doubles, and that is key. Pairing Ariadna and Shannon together happened last in the season, but it has proven to be an excellent duo."
The Zips, who have already clinched a spot in the upcoming MAC Tournament, close out the regular season on Friday, Apr. 22 at Bowling Green with a 1 p.m. match.
