Misa Malkin Named SEC Freshman of the Week

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina women’s tennis freshman Misa Malkin earned her first-ever Freshman of the Week honor, the SEC announced Wednesday.
 
“Misa has proven that she is a warrior in the big moments on more than one occasion in her freshman year,” said head coach Kevin Epley. “She can step up when it counts and I’m happy the conference is recognizing her efforts.”
 
Malkin, who went 2-0 in singles on Sunday, clinched the Gamecocks’ win over the Clemson Tigers. She split sets with her opponent 6-2, 1-6 and the third set went into a tiebreak. From there, she exploded and won multiple long rally points to outlast her competitor 7-6 (3). Her win marked the second time she clinched a match for South Carolina this spring.
 
In doubles against Clemson, No. 39 Malkin and Sarah Hamner came back from a 2-0 deficit to lead 5-3 before play was suspended. The pair played in the No. 1 spot for the third time this season. 
 
Against Charleston Southern, Malkin played a close match in the No. 4 spot that went to a tiebreak in the first set. She prevailed 7-6 (6) and dominated the second set 6-1 to help South Carolina to a 6-1 win over the Buccaneers. 
 
Malkin and the Gamecocks will be back in action on Sunday when they host Campbell at noon and UNC Greensboro at 4 p.m.