Murphy named Big Sky Player of the Week

Montana women's tennis No. 1 Hailey Murphy put an exclamation mark on an already outstanding sophomore season Wednesday, earning Big Sky Conference Player of the Week honors for the first time in her career after leading the Griz to a pair of upset wins over the weekend.

Murphy went undefeated in singles and won what could be considered the Big Sky match of the year, clinching Montana's win over first place Sacramento State by beating Mayya Gorbunova in a three-set thriller 6-1, 6-7 (1), 6-4.

Gorbunova, a second-team all-conference pick a year ago, had been one of the winningest players in the Big Sky this season, playing No. 1 for a Hornet team that was 14-4 before coming to Missoula.

Murphy also cruised to victory over six-time defending conference champion Northern Arizona's Pat Niewiadomska – last year's Big Sky Freshman of the Year – 6-3, 6-1, to help propel Montana into first place in the conference standings.

She also split doubles matches over the weekend, partnering with Kelsey Phillips to beat Sac State's Ejsmont/Lee pair 7-5 on court one.

Murphy is now 5-0 in Big Sky singles, 13-3 on the season overall, and 9-1 since taking over the No. 1 position for the Griz to make a strong case for all-conference honors at the end of the year.

Along the way, the native of Calgary has also picked up nonconference wins over opponents from notable programs like Gonzaga, Cal Poly, Utah State, Washington State, and New Mexico to put her in the running for end of year regional honors.

Murphy was an All-Big Sky doubles honorable mention as a freshman and is now 4-1 in league doubles this season and 7-9 overall.

She's been one of the primary catalysts for Montana's recent string of success, with the Grizzlies currently tied for first in the Big Sky Standings at 4-1 in conference play and having punched their ticket to the conference championship in Phoenix.

"Hailey has been instrumental in playing in the top spot and coming out each match and competing at a high level. It's great to see the recognition after beating two strong opponents and having the team really rise to the occasion with a couple of quality team wins," said head coach Steve Ascher.

"We get the opportunity to watch her work and improve every day at practice. So, hearing from the fans who come out to watch and get to see her compete is a joy. She is giving people the chance to see some really great tennis, and that is exciting."

Now within a shot at claiming the program's first Big Sky title since 2014, Montana plays two more crucial home contests this weekend against Weber State on April 13, and Idaho State on April 14 before capping the regular season at Montana State on April 20.

The Griz and Wildcats get underway on Saturday at 10 a.m., and the dual against the Bengals is set to start at 2 p.m. at the Peak Racquet Club south of Missoula on Blue Mountain Road. Admission to the Peak is open to the public and free of carge.

University of Montana Athletics

Players Mentioned

Hailey Murphy

Kelsey Phillips

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