IU sophomore Madison Appel propelled the Hoosiers to a 2-0 start on the season this weekend and was named the Big Ten Athlete of the Week for women’s tennis Tuesday.
Appel went a perfect 4-0 on the weekend in two doubles and singles matches. She rounded off the No. 1 spot for the team in each position.
Against Western Michigan, Appel and senior Kim Schmider fell behind 5-3 but were able to overcome the deficit and win 7-6 (7-4). Then against Butler, the duo won 6-1. In singles competition, Appel beat Western Michigan 6-4, 6-4 and Butler 6-1, 6-1. These wins helped the Hoosiers to two 7-0 victories against both teams.
“Madison had a great opening weekend for us,” IU Coach Ramiro Azcui said. “Madison played really well at the top singles spot against Western Michigan and Butler. She continues to make improvements as she progresses in her career at Indiana.”
The last Hoosier to receive this award was senior Paula Gutierrez on March 29, 2016. This is Appel’s first time being honored with this award.
Appel and the Hoosiers look to carry their momentum to this weekend against Washington State and Cincinnati.
Dylan Wallace
