ST. LOUIS – For the first time in her collegiate career, University of Evansville women's tennis player Natasha James was named the Missouri Valley Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week by the league on Tuesday.
 
James went a perfect 4-0 for UE as the squad opened up MVC play last Wednesday.  In the match at Southern Illinois, James teamed up with Kelsey Costales to top Natasha Tomishima and Meagan Monaghan by an 8-7 final. 
 
At No. 2 singles, James rallied to top Anita Lee in three sets, 1-6, 6-1, 7-5.  James remained perfect in Sunday's match at IUPUI.  She and Costales defeated Julie Brockman and Abbey Neff at top doubles, 8-6.  She earned another singles win in the second flight, defeating Rachel Bridegroom 6-3, 6-1.
 
Her award was the second in three weeks for the Aces.  On March 18, Marketa Trousilova garnered the honor.
 
This weekend, the Aces will complete their home slate.  On Saturday, Evansville welcomes Drake at 1 p.m. before squaring off against UNI on Sunday at 10 a.m.  Wesselman Park will host both matches.