May 18, 2000

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Freshman tennis players Adria Engel and Bea Bielik earned regional awards from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), it was announced yesterday. Engel earned ITA Southeast Region Rookie of the Year honors, while Bielik was named the ITA Player to Watch in the Southeast Region. Both are finalists for the national awards in those same categories, which will be announced this Sunday, May 21st.

Engel, who plays No. 1 singles for the Deacs, is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation. She has posted an incredible record of 43-9 in her freshman year, tying the school single-season record for wins. Bielik, who plays No. 2 singles and is ranked No. 21 in the nation, is currently riding a 23-match win streak in the spring season. Together, the duo ranks as the nation's No. 16 doubles team, posting an 8-3 record on the year.

The third-ranked Demon Deacons are currently in Pepperdine, Calif., competing in the NCAA Women's Tennis Championships. The Deacs take on Tennessee today at 5 p.m. (EDT) in the NCAA Round of 16.