Cecil Named ITA Southeast Rookie Of The Year

DURHAM, N.C.?The honors continue to roll in for Duke freshman Mallory Cecil. The first-year Blue Devil recently was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Rookie Player of the Year for the southeast region. Cecil also earned the ACC Rookie of the Year award.

Joining the Blue Devils in January, Cecil moved into the top singles spot after just two matches. She is 24-3 overall, including 22-3 at No. 1, and is ranked sixth in the most recent rankings. The Spartanburg, S.C., native recently garnered an at-large invitation to the NCAA Tournament individual draw, earning the No. 5 seed in the event.

Twice this season she captured victories over the nation's top-ranked player, defeating Northwestern's Maria Mosolova on Feb. 28 and Ani Mijacika of Clemson on April 10. She defeated No. 4 Julia Cohen of Miami in the ACC Tournament championship match and currently stands at 12-3 against nationally-ranked foes.

She has been equally impressive in doubles action in her inaugural season. Joining forces with senior Jessi Robinson, the tandem has posted a 20-7 record overall as the No. 2 squad. Posting a 9-2 record in ACC action, Robinson and Cecil have climbed their way to the No. 53 ranking.

Cecil and the Blue Devils return to action in the NCAA Tournament round of 16 against Arkansas on May 15. Duke and the Razorbacks meet at 10 a.m., at the Mitchell Tennis Center in College Station, Texas. The winner advances to the quarterfinal round on May 17.

For complete information on the NCAA Tournament, click here.

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