FRISCO, Texas – Junior Paco Bendana of the University of the Incarnate Word men's tennis team was named Southland Conference Player of the Week, the league announced Tuesday.
 
This marks the second award for Bendana this season, as the College Station, Texas, native was recognized on Feb. 13. It is the third Player of the Week award overall for the Cardinals this season, and the second straight, as Gabriel Evans earned the recognition last week.
 
Bendana and UIW upset last season's defending conference champions, Lamar, to clinch a spot in the upcoming SLC Tournament, defeating the Beaumont Cardinals 5-2 on Apr. 7. It is the first Division I post-season tournament appearance in program history. Bendana and teammate Joey Vatanadilok first clinched the doubles point, 6-3, in the #2 spot, then Bendana came from behind to drop the three-time First Team All-SLC participant, Benny Schweiser, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, in the final match of the day to give UIW a two-point singles lead and the three-point victory.
 
UP NEXT

UIW (9-9 overall, 3-0 SLC) is currently hosting Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (17-7, 2-0) at the Mabry Tennis Center in a battle for first place. The first 25 fans in attendance receive a free "Rally Red" T-shirt.

STAY TUNED

The Cardinals end the regular season hosting Abilene Christian on Saturday, Apr. 14 at 11 a.m. It will be Senior Day for Joey Vatanadilok.

To purchase tickets, contact Ticket Sales Coordinator Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.
 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.