Victoria Lozano – women’s tennis
As the Idaho women’s team No. 1 singles and doubles player, Lozano has had an extremely successful season thus far. Her impressive 12-4 singles record has helped the tennis team win 14 matches this year, including two this past weekend. The Vandals swept Northern Arizona (7-0) and Grand Canyon (4-0), with Lozano leading the charge.
“Vicky has won in the top spots for this program for four years and taken it into the national rankings,” Idaho coach Jeff Beaman said. “The level of this program has gone through the ceiling, compared to where it was when she arrived on campus four years ago.”
Last week, she was awarded WAC Player of the Week for the second time this spring.
Artemiy Nikitin – men’s tennis
Nikitin this week earned the men’s WAC Player of the Week award. He went 2-0 this week at the No. 1 singles position, defeating Seattle’s Kevin Lynch (6-1, 3-6, 6-3) and Hawaii’s Nils Schuhmann (6-3, 7-5). Nikitin has won three consecutive singles matches and continues to be a force at the Vandals’ No. 1 position. Nikitin and doubles partner Jose Bendeck won their doubles match against Portland, 8-5.
Roberto Asencio – men’s basketball and football
After completing the men’s basketball season a few weeks ago, the 6-foot-9, 245-pound center from the Dominican Republic has decided to try football. He redshirted for the basketball program this season. This spring he decided to go out for a 14-day tryout. It’s clear Asencio isn’t the most skilled football player at the moment, but his physical strength would be an asset for a Vandal offense trying to improve. Idaho coach Paul Petrino worked with Asencio during practice on mechanics for the wide receiver position.
Andrea Pikes and Meghan Palesch – women’s track and field
This Saturday, Idaho freshmen Pikes and Palesch each earned double victories in separate events in Spokane. Pikes was victorious in the 100-meter and 200 dash, while Palesch took the 100 hurdles and 400 hurdles.
“Overall, I am pleased with how the meet went and look forward to competing at Arizona State next weekend when the team is rested,” Idaho coach Wayne Phipps said.
Conor Gleason can be reached at [email protected]