Lacey Smyth honored as Pac-12 player of the week

Junior tennis player Lacey Smyth was named Pac-12 tennis player of the week, the conference announced Tuesday.

Smyth led the Wildcats against both Sacramento State and Texas Tech last weekend, and defeated her opponents in straight sets (6-2, 6-0) against Sacramento State and (6-3, 6-3) against Texas Tech.

Lacey has had a successful season so far, leading the Wildcats with five match wins and only one loss. Smyth already has a head start on improving on a sophomore campaign where she posted a 14-11 record at the top spot in the lineup.

“There are few players in college tennis who live and breathe the game the way Lacey does,” Arizona head coach Vicky Maes said.

Head coach Vicky Maes also said she loves the preparation and dedication set forth by Lacey. “She is driven and tenacious, and always brings a feisty attitude to competition. This is a well-deserved honor, and I am truly happy for Lacey,” Maes said.

What better way for Smyth to build on her great start to the season than to take home Pac-12 player of the week honors? The junior from Oceanside, Calif., was named a Pac-12 honorable mention a season ago.

Smyth is likely to appear at the prime spot in singles play for the Wildcats on their trip to San Diego State on Friday, which Smyth says is her favorite place to play tennis in other than Arizona.