FARMINGTON, Utah — After leading Idaho State to a perfect weekend in Big Sky play, Stefanya Shalakhova has been named the Big Sky Conference Women's Tennis Co-Player of the Week for matches played March 30–April 6.
Shalakhova played a key role in Idaho State's 2-0 week, as the Bengals defeated Montana State, 6-1, and University of Montana, 5-2, continuing their strong push in conference play.
Strong Showing at No. 2 Singles
Competing in the No. 2 singles position, Shalakhova delivered a perfect 2-0 record, showcasing resilience and composure in both matches.
Against Montana State, she earned a straight-set victory over A. Bean, 7-6 (6-2), 6-2, battling through a tight opening set before pulling away. She followed that performance with a gritty three-set comeback against Montana's M. Anand, dropping the first set before rallying for a 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 win.
Her ability to adjust mid-match and close out tight contests proved pivotal in securing both team victories.
Contributions in Doubles Play
Shalakhova also competed at the top of the doubles lineup alongside Veronika Zarovna in the No. 1 position, finishing 1-1 on the week.
The duo opened with a solid 6-3 win over Montana State's Wise/Stverakova, helping the Bengals secure early momentum. They later pushed Montana's Anand/Phillips to a tiebreak before falling 6-7 (5-7) in a tightly contested match.
Impact on the Bengals
Shalakhova finished the week with a 3-1 overall record, including an undefeated mark in singles, reinforcing her role as one of Idaho State's most reliable contributors in the lineup.
Her performances against two conference opponents not only helped extend Idaho State's momentum but also highlighted her importance in high-pressure situations. Whether battling through tiebreaks or mounting comebacks, Shalakhova continues to provide consistency and leadership for the Bengals.
With conference play coming to a close, Idaho State will look to continue on its success to end the regular season as Shalakhova and fellow senior, Sydney Morris, celebrate their Senior Day on Sunday, April 12th in Reed Gym against Portland State.
