Pacific senior Ivan Castro and Long Beach State senior Rachel Manasse both went unbeaten in singles and doubles to earn Big West Men's and Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week accolades, respectively.

Castro Stays Strong At Top Of Pacific Ladder
Pacific senior Ivan Castro (Sao Paulo, Brazil/Colegio Atheneu) posted a perfect 4-0 record in singles and doubles to secure Big West Men’s Tennis Athlete of the Week honors.

Castro defeated both of his opponents at the No. 1 singles position.  He toppled Loyola Marymount’s Alex Wilton by a 6-1, 6-1 score and outlasted Saint Mary’s Maxime Olivan 6-3, 7-5.

He also partnered with Alex Golding to win twice at No. 2 doubles against the opposing Lion and Gael duos.  Castro now sports a 4-2 season mark in both singles and doubles.

Others nominated: Toki Sherbakov (UC Davis); Felix Macherez (UC Riverside)

Manasse Conquers All Long Beach State Foes
Long Beach State senior Rachel Manasse (Redondo Beach, Calif./Mira Costa HS) picked up four wins, including one over the nation’s No. 44-ranked doubles pair, earning her Big West Women’s Tennis Athlete of the Week accolades.

Manasse was dominant in her two singles matches at the No. 2 spot.  She breezed past Wyoming’s Simona Synkova 6-1, 6-1 and teamed with Laura Bernard to defeat the nationally ranked Cowgirl duo of Veronica Popovici and Synkova, 8-4.  Despite Manasse’s efforts, the 49ers lost a close 4-3 battle in the team score.

In LBSU’s Big West debut, a 6-1 triumph against Pacific, Manasse collected a 6-4, 6-1 win versus Julia Hansen.  She also notched an 8-3 win in doubles against the Tiger counterparts.

Others nominated: Jocelyn Davis (Cal Poly); Jennifer Sher (Cal State Northridge); Megan Heneghan (UC Davis); Kat Facey (UC Irvine)