Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: Keith Kountz
Derkas awarded as ITA Northwest Region's Most Improved Senior
5/18/2020 5:06:00 PM | Men's Tennis
TEMPE, Ariz. – Fresno State's Zdenek Derkas was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Northwest Region Most Improved Senior on Monday. The ITA released its annual regional awards today with Derkas giving the Bulldogs one of the northwest's seven honors.
"Zdenek is very deserving of the award," Fresno State head coach Luke Shields said. "He adds to the collection of great accolades that he's won throughout his career. He works hard, is coachable and is a great leader and representative of our program. We are happy to have Zdenek back for one more year."
Derkas earned his third straight spot on the All-Mountain West singles team last month. Against a tough non-conference slate that included the Bulldogs facing six top 50 opponents, the senior from the Czech Republic went five wins in singles play during the spring at the No. 1 spot. Derkas, who ranked as high as No. 124 nationally, went 1-2 against ranked opposition. The Bulldog's top win of the season came against then-No. 55 Tim Sandkaulen of Ole Miss (7-5, 7-6) at the Blue Gray National Tennis Classic.
The 2017 MW Freshman of the Year, Derkas entered this past season as the reigning MW Player of the Year but did not have the opportunity to repeat due to the Covid-19 pandemic canceling all events after March 19.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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"Zdenek is very deserving of the award," Fresno State head coach Luke Shields said. "He adds to the collection of great accolades that he's won throughout his career. He works hard, is coachable and is a great leader and representative of our program. We are happy to have Zdenek back for one more year."
Derkas earned his third straight spot on the All-Mountain West singles team last month. Against a tough non-conference slate that included the Bulldogs facing six top 50 opponents, the senior from the Czech Republic went five wins in singles play during the spring at the No. 1 spot. Derkas, who ranked as high as No. 124 nationally, went 1-2 against ranked opposition. The Bulldog's top win of the season came against then-No. 55 Tim Sandkaulen of Ole Miss (7-5, 7-6) at the Blue Gray National Tennis Classic.
The 2017 MW Freshman of the Year, Derkas entered this past season as the reigning MW Player of the Year but did not have the opportunity to repeat due to the Covid-19 pandemic canceling all events after March 19.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateMTEN
Instagram: @fresnostatemtennis
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