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Armando Yanez
Sports Communications Graduate Assistant
University of Georgia Athletic Association
After going 4-0 through singles and doubles play against Missouri and Arkansas on the weekend, Aysegul Mert earned Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week honors, the SEC announced Wednesday afternoon.
The Istanbul, Turkey-native has now won the award for the third time this season.
Mert’s impact at the No. 1 doubles spot, alongside her partner Dasha Vidmanova, has continued to be a crucial element to helping the Bulldogs earn doubles point in six-consecutive matches.
Over the weekend, Mert was dominant in all four of her matches against Missouri and Arkansas.
On Friday, the No. 22 duo of Mert and Vidmanova opened up the day with a convincing 6-2 doubles victory over No. 24 Inah Canete and Mae Canete.
In singles, Mert made her season dual singles debut at the No. 5 spot. Facing off against Andrea Artimedi, Mert shined bright from start to finish en route to a 6-1, 6-2 victory, picking up her first career dual singles win.
Moving ahead to Sunday against Arkansas, Mert, alongside Vidmanova, was instrumental in helping clinch doubles point for the Bulldogs with a 6-3 win over Morgan Cross and Anet Koskel on court one.
In singles, Mert remained in the lineup for her second consecutive match, carrying over momentum from Friday to defeat Kacie Harvey 6-3, 6-2 on court five.
Following her strong performances over the weekend, Mert’s doubles tandem with Vidmanova moved up from No. 22 into the top 10 at No. 8 in the latest ITA doubles rankings.
Mert’s Singles Results
Aysegul Mert (UGA) def. Andrea Artimedi (Missouri), 6-1 6-2
Aysegul Mert (UGA) def. Kacie Harvey (Arkansas), 6-3, 6-2
Mert’s Doubles Results
No. 22 Aysegul Mert/Dasha Vidmanova (UGA) def. No. 24 Inah Canete/Mae Canete (Missouri), 6-2
No. 22 Aysegul Mert/Dasha Vidmanova (UGA) def. Morgan Cross/Anet Koskel (Arkansas), 6-3