Carol named ACC Player of the Week

The CNMI’s Carol Lee was recently being named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Week while suiting up for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Georgia Tech’s Carol Lee made her home islands proud anew after recently being named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Week.

The Yellow Jackets went 2-0 during the week Lee won the prestigious award, downing Louisville and Notre Dame at the Ken Byers Tennis Complex to push its record to 8-4 on the season and 5-1 in ACC play.

According to ramblinwreck.com, Lee went 3-0 between the two matches, picking up a pair of singles victories and clinching the doubles point against the Fighting Irish. Competing at the top singles position in both matches, Lee pocketed a pair of straight-set wins. In singles play, the Jacket boasts an 11-1 dual record this season. She has partnered with teammate Kate Sharabura in doubles to post a 10-0 dual record on the young season.

Lee said winning the ACC Player of the Week was a big honor, but added that her strong play is all for the benefit of the team.

“The thought of winning for the team and representing Georgia Tech motivates me to battle in every match I play. Also, my family, especially my dad, pushes me to work harder and be better as a player and as a person even though we aren’t living at the same place. My teammates and my coaches on the other side push me and supports me which I am always grateful and appreciate them,” she said.

Georgia Tech tennis head coach Rodney Harmon applauded Lee’s growth in the sport the past year.

“Carol is such a hard worker. Her game has improved so much since she came to Georgia Tech. I think if Carol keeps improving her game she will have the chance to be successful on the WTA Tour,” he said in a social media message to Saipan Tribune.

Harmon said while the 2019 Samoa Mini Games mixed doubles gold medalist has impressed the most with the growth in her transition game and continuing to refine and better utilize her forehand, there is still room for her to improve.

“For Carol to make the next step in the progression in her game, she will need to play more offense with her forehand when her feet are on the baseline and she is in control of the point. Carol is able to defend so well with her speed and excellent movement. I am looking for her to use her speed and court coverage to finish more points at the net and with her forehand,” he said.

Lee wasn’t the only Yellow Jacket to take home hardware that week as teammate Kylie Bilchev won ACC Freshman of the Week after posting an unblemished record, going 4-0 between doubles and singles.

With teammate Ava Hrastar in doubles, the pair clinched the doubles point against Louisville and gave the Jackets the edge in doubles against the Fighting Irish. The freshman Yellow Jacket pushed her win streak in singles action to five-straight matches, picking up a pair of straight-set wins over the weekend. She owns a 6-3 dual singles record and 5-2 dual doubles ledger on the season.