Kansas State University Athletics
Linares Named to All-Big 12 Second Team Singles
Apr 28, 2022 | Tennis
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Senior Maria Linares was rewarded for her solid season in singles play during the 2022 spring season and was selected to the women's tennis All-Big 12 Second Team Singles, as announced by the conference today (April 28).
Linares picked up the distinction for her 14-4 overall record (4-2 Big 12) in singles play, her first All-Big 12 Second Team Singles award.
"The way Maria performed all season was fantastic," stated head coach Jordan Smith. "Despite having setbacks with injuries in the fall, I think this might have been her best overall season in her career at K-State, plus it is not often you see a player have her results in their fifth year. Truly a statement to the great person and great player that Maria is. Overall, I am incredibly proud of Maria and know she's done more than enough to leave a lasting legacy for K-State tennis."
At the conclusion of the season, the Venezuela native had a record of 6-2 at the number one spot, 5-2 in the number two spot and was undefeated (3-0) in the number three spot.
Highlighting the season was her two-set victory, 6-3, 6-2, over then No. 44 ranked Ivana Corley from Oklahoma on March 13, 2022.
On April 6, Linares ranked as high as No. 120 in singles according to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).
Before the 2022 spring campaign came to a close, Linares was one of six Wildcats named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team. This distinction was her fourth-straight honor.
Linares was one of 16 selections on the First and Second Teams for singles.
Texas' Peyton Stearns was named the Big 12 Player of the Year, while Oklahoma's Layne Sleeth was named Newcomer of the Year and Oklahoma State's Mhai Sawangkaew earned Freshman of the Year, respectively. Oklahoma's Audra Cohen was the league's Coach of the Year.
K-State concluded its spring season at the Big 12 Tennis Championship in Fort Worth, Texas, where the Wildcats fell to Oklahoma in the second round on April 22. The Wildcats finished the spring slate with a 10-13 overall record and a 1-8 mark in conference play.
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