Duo honored at league banquet
 Diana Tkachenko was named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year while Chieko Yamada earned a spot on the league’s All-Select Team as the MVC announced its women’s tennis postseason awards on Thursday.
Tkachenko completed a spectacular freshman campaign at UE as she went 31-8 overall and 6-1 in conference play. She also had a nice fall season, highlighted by a 2nd place finish at #2 singles in the MVC Individual Tournament. Her impressive run through the MVC included wins over SIU, UNI, Missouri State, Drake, Bradley and Illinois State.
“I knew that we had something very special in this freshman class and none more so than Diana. She has exceeded my expectations this season at every turn. Diana has put together not only one of the best seasons for a freshman, but the best season by an Aces women’s tennis player, ever,†Purple Aces head coach Jayson Wiseman said. “She already has 44 combined wins and 31 singles victories which is nothing short of amazing. I know that she feels very honored to have been chosen Freshman of the Year especially considering the stiff competition she was up against for the award.”
Slotted at #1 singles for the Purple Aces in 2016-16, Chieko Yamada won 18 matches while going an impressive 4-3 in conference matches in the top spot. She defeated UNI, SIU, Bradley and Missouri State. Yamada also picked up 14 doubles victories this year.
“Chieko has been such a phenomenal edition to our team this year. After a slow start, she has really nailed down the #1 singles position and has been absolutely on fire over the last couple months of the season,†Wiseman added. “Being named to the All Select team is a well-deserved honor that she has worked very hard for.”
Evansville begins the MVC Championship on Friday against Drake.
