Bayerlova, Michalkova Capture ITA Regional Awards
 
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University tennis student-athletes Michaela Bayerlova and Barbora Michalkova have been recognized by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association for efforts this past seasons, the organization announced Monday.
 
Bayerlova has been named the Northwest Region recipient of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Player to Watch Award, while Michalkova was named the Northwest Region winner of the ITA Most Improved Senior.
 
"I am so proud of both Michaela and Bara for what they have accomplished so far this season," said WSU Head Coach Lisa Hart. "It is tremendous for both of them to be recognized for all their hard work this season."
 
A native of Krumbach, Germany, Bayerlova has put together an impressive freshman campaign, posting a 27-5 singles record and currently boasts a No. 23 national ranking. Earlier this month, she was selected for the 2018 NCAA Singles Championship field and was named an All-Pac-12 First Team selection, the first in program history. She began her collegiate career with 20-straight singles victories, the second-longest streak in school history, and is 7-4 against nationally ranked players in 2018. That includes wins over No. 15 Michaela Gordon of Stanford, No. 38 Julia Rosenqvist of Cal, No. 39 Marianna Petrei of Idaho and No. 42 Lauryn John-Baptiste of Arizona State. Twice this spring she earned Pac-12 Tennis Player of the Week honors while also clinching team victories on three different occasions.
 
Michalkova, a native of As, Czech Republic, posted a 25-11 singles record in 2018, a 13-win improvement over her junior season. She won her first 10 matches to open the spring season, the longest winning streak of her career, and had three match-clinching victories for the Cougars this season. Michalkova's best win of the season came against Stanford, when she defeated Emily Arbuthnott, the nation's 42nd-ranked player who was also ranked among the top 700 players in the world. Michalkova also teamed with Melisa Ates to play No. 1 doubles, posting a 16-10 overall record, including a win over No. 36 Olivia Hauger and Julia Rosenqvist of Cal earlier this season.
 
The ITA will announced national award winners Wednesday, May 23, 2018.
 
The Cougars posted a 21-7 record this season, the most win in school history.