After not competing in singles competition since January 31, Guillermo Gomez stepped right back into the fray this weekend for the Illinois State mens tennis team, went 2-1, and was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week for his efforts.
Gomez started the weekend on the right foot by defeating Western Michigans Diego Campello in a hard fought match, 3-6, 6-2, 7-5. The match marked Gomezs first singles match since his loss to teammate Tim Link in the finals of the No. 7 flight of the Valley Individual Championships, January 31.
Head coach Greg Kennett is pleased with the way Gomez has responded with his return to the singles lineup.
Gomez has broken back into the singles lineup and played very well for us, Kennett said. He has a very good presence and seems to be able to stay calm no matter what the circumstance.
Gomez then went on to help the Redbirds snap a four match losing streak by winning the No. 5 point over Marquettes Ian Kawas, 6-4, 6-4.
The victories this weekend brought Gomezs winning percentage to a team best .692 (9-4). Gomez is also 7-7 on the season in doubles play.
Gomez, a junior at Illinois State, is a newcomer to the Redbirds this season, and his Player of the Week honor is the first of his career at Illinois State. It also marks the first time a Redbird has earned the honor since Jason Smit was named Valley Player of the Week for the week of March 3, 2003.
Gomez will lead the Birds into a matchup with their first Valley conference opponent this weekend, as the Birds will face Bradley, February 29, at the Evergreen Racquet Club, in Bloomington, Ill.
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