Matt Jurek Graduate Assistant Intern; Contact for: M/W Cross Country, M/W Fencing, M/W Tennis | Wayne State University Athletics Website
Matt Jurek Graduate Assistant Intern; Contact for: M/W Cross Country, M/W Fencing, M/W Tennis | Wayne State University Athletics Website
Wayne State University sophomore Malak Arafat has been named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Women's Tennis Player of the Week for the first time in her career. The announcement was made by the league office on Tuesday.
Arafat played a significant role in securing two important home victories for Wayne State against Grand Valley State and Ferris State last weekend. These wins have placed the Warriors at the forefront of the GLIAC Regular-Season Championship race.
In singles play, Arafat achieved victories over Taylor Barrett from GVSU with scores of 6-2, 6-3, and Sophie Daavettila from FSU with scores of 6-2, 6-1. Her performance has improved her spring record to 12-6, maintaining an undefeated streak of 5-0 within the GLIAC.
Arafat also teamed up with Martyna Szpakowska for doubles matches, achieving consecutive 6-3 wins against pairs from both GVSU and FSU. The duo is currently ranked No. 48 nationally in Division II by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's computerized rankings and holds a season record of 14-2 after winning their last six doubles matches together.
This recognition marks Arafat as the third different women's tennis player from Wayne State to receive this honor during this spring season. Previously, Anais Ruyssen received it on February 21, followed by Marta Komar on March 6.
The team is set to conclude its regular season with upcoming matches against Purdue Northwest and Davenport this weekend. The match against PNW is scheduled for Friday, April 19 at 2 p.m., followed by a match against Davenport on Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m.