SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Samford's Fares Kilani has been named the Southern Conference Men's Tennis Player of the Week for matches played February 18-24.  Kilani went 2-1 in singles play and was 1-1 in doubles competition last week for the Bulldogs.  After defeating Troy (5-1), Samford dropped consecutive matches to SEC foes No. 11 Mississippi State (7-0) and No. 6 Kentucky (5-1).

Kilani opened the week with a three-set win over Troy's Daniel Bustamante.  The Tunis, Tunisia, native rallied for a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory at No. 3 singles.  After dropping a 6-1, 6-1 decision to Mississippi State's James Chaudry, Kilani rebounded for a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3) win over Kentucky's Alejandro Gomez. 

Paired with Alexander Sajonz at No. 3 doubles, the Samford duo outlasted Troy's Anas Rouchdi and Patrick Eichler, 9-8.  They then lost a hard-fought 8-6 decision to MSU's Romain Bogaerts and Pedro Dumont. 

Kilani is 5-3 in singles competition this spring.

Samford returns to action Sunday when the Bulldogs host the College of Charleston.

Other top performers in the Southern Conference included Davidson's Joe Schafer, Elon's Cameron Silverman, UNCG's Randy Phillips and Chattanooga's Manuel Barroetavena.

SoCon Men's Tennis Player of the Week
Feb. 12 - Manuel Barroetavena, UTC
Feb. 19 - James Dougherty, UNCG
Feb. 26 - Fares Kilani, Samford