Western Illinois University Athletics

Western Illinois women's tennis player Maria Bessmertnaya has been tabbed WIU's Hampton Inn 'Scholar Athlete of the Week' after helping the Leathernecks to a 7-0 win over St. Francis on Sunday (April 17).

Bessmertnaya and her partner Maya Sykes got off to a hot start in doubles play, picking up a 6-2 win at the No. 3 spot. She then won at the No. 2 singles position by a score of 6-4, 6-1 to secure her sixth win of the season.

The sophomore is majoring in pre-businnes accounting and boasts a 4.0 GPA.