April 1, 2008

BEAUMONT - Lamar University freshman women's tennis standout Mariaryeni Gutierrez was named the Southland Conference Player of the Week after leading the Lady Cardinals to a 3-0 record last weekend.

Gutierrez helped boost the Lamar team record to 16-1 overall with wins over UT-Pan American, UT-San Antonio and Laredo Community College. With the wins the she improved to 17-0 on the year.

A native of San Antonio, Venezuela, Gutierrez improved to 17-0 in singles play and 13-2 in doubles on the year with another dominating week of tennis at No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles. She began the week with a 6-0, 6-2 win over Julia Cirne-Lima of UT-Pan American on Thursday, posted a 6-0, 6-1 win over UTSA's Nathalie Wallin and finished with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Loraine Favoretto of Laredo Junior College.

In doubles play she paired with Andrea Martinez for an 8-3 win over UTPA's Giana Oliveira and Cirne-Lima and an 8-4 win over UTSA's Caroline Dedering and Karen Scida. The wins improved the duo's record to 13-2 on the season.

Gutierrez and the Lady Cardinals return to action on Tuesday afternoon when they take on Lee College at the Cardinal Courts. After their tilt with the Lady Rebels, they will face off with the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions on Saturday at noon at the Cardinal Courts.