SPARTANBURG, S.C. – For the third consecutive week, a Samford Bulldog has been named the Southern Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Week, as senior Austin Akers garnered the award this week for all matches played March 9-15. Akers pulled out a three-set victory in singles play to help the Bulldogs earn a 5-2 victory over UNCG in league play.

Competing at No. 2 singles, Akers rallied after dropping the first set to UNCG’s Daniel Mack to claim a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory.

In doubles competition, Akers teamed up with Henry Moore to secure an 8-5 win over UNCG’s William Albright and Warren Bryan.

The Bulldogs return to action March 28 when they face UNCW.

Other top performers in the Southern Conference included Furman’s Juan Sheppard, Mercer's Sam Philp and Chattanooga’s Luke Saunders.

SoCon Men’s Tennis Player of the Week
Feb. 10 – Haris Poric, Wofford
Feb. 17 – Cameron Green, Furman
Feb. 24 – Rob Galloway, Wofford
March 3 – Fares Kilani, Samford
March 11 – Justin Ghavami, Samford
March 17 – Austin Akers, Samford