5/13-Nevolo, Kalmanovich earn ITA regional awards

SKILLMAN, N.J. – Illinois freshman Dennis Nevolo was named the Midwest Region Rookie of the Year, while sophomore Roy Kalmanovich garnered Midwest Region Player to Watch honors, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced this week. The eight regional winners, for each respective award are nominees for each national award. All national award winners will be announced on May 19 in College Station, Texas. Nevolo has had an impressive debut season for the Orange and Blue. The Big Ten Freshman of the Year is currently ranked No. 39 in the nation in singles and boasts an overall record of 27-11. Nevolo, received an at-large bid in the NCAA singles championships, which begin May 20. The 2009 All-Big Ten selection is also ranked No. 21 in the country with partner Ruan Roelofse in doubles. The duo holds a 16-4 overall record and will compete in the NCAA doubles championships beginning May 21. Kalmanovich has maintained his spot among the nation’s elite singles players, carrying a No. 50 ranking into the postseason. He leads the Illini with an overall singles record of 28-12 and has seen action in the top three spots of the lineup for the Illini, carding a 4-1 record at No. 1 singles and an 8-1 record at No. 3 singles. Kalmanovich also received an at-large bid and will compete in the NCAA singles championships next week. The ITA Player to Watch Award goes to a player who has an outstanding season and is expected to perform at a high level the rest of his career. This award’s criteria also includes a player’s sportsmanship and character. The No. 13 Illini face off against No. 4 Georgia in the 2009 NCAA Tournament Round of 16 on Thursday, May 19 at the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center in College Station, Tex. First serve is set for 9 am CT.