April 26, 2012
University Park, Pa. - The No. 50 Penn State women's tennis team (12-11, 4-8) had three players recognized by the Big Ten Conference today for their success this spring. Petra Januskova (Ottawa, Canada) was named a unanimous selection to the All-Big Ten First Team, while Chelsea Utting (Peachtree City, Ga.) was selected to the second team in her first season as a Nittany Lion. Additionally, Nina Sertic (Zagrab, Croatia) was tabbed a Sportsmanship Award Honoree. All three players helped Penn State gain national attention, as they were ranked in the ITA Poll for most of the season and tallied the most victories in head coach Dawna Denny's tenure.
This marks the second year in a row Januskova was named a first team selection. The junior compiled a 17-6 record this season, including three victories over ranked opponents. She has been ranked in the ITA singles poll for the entire season, currently holding the No. 76 spot. In addition, Januskova was named Big Ten Athlete of the Week for the week of Jan. 10, becoming just the third Nittany Lion in program history to earn the honor.
As a transfer from Marquette, Utting had a breakout season. The sophomore tallied a 15-8 record, including seven victories in the highly competitive Big Ten. Utting teamed with Januskova for most of the season in the No. 1 doubles spot; the duo compiled a 12-5 record, including a victory over a ranked opponent. The pair was also ranked in the ITA doubles poll for the week of April 10, coming in at No. 84.
Also receiving honors at the banquet was Sertic, who was named a Sportsmanship Honoree. According to the Big Ten, the award is given to the student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. The Kansas State transfer was impressive in her only season in Happy Valley. In addition to earning 13 victories, the senior showed great leadership for the Nittany Lions.