Lawrence University men’s tennis standout Cooper Smith has been named the Midwest Conference Player of the Week.
Smith (San Diego, Calif./Westview), a freshman, earned the award after returning from an injury to help Lawrence win the Midwest Conference North Division title for the first time.
Since the league went to divisional play in 1993, the Vikings had finished second numerous times, but Lawrence’s 5-4 win over St. Norbert College this past Sunday gave the Vikings a perfect 4-0 mark in divisional play.
Smith, who had been sidelined for weeks with a leg injury, teamed with Peter Mohr (Sheboygan, Wis./South) for an 8-6 win at No. 3 doubles. Smith then turned in a dominating 6-2, 6-1 victory at No. 4 singles.
Smith is now 13-5 in singles play and 10-9 in doubles.
The Vikings return to action Friday at the MWC Team Tournament and will then play in the MWC Championships this weekend.