Feb. 14, 2012

The University of Montana's Ashley Mackey was named Big Sky Player of the Week for her efforts in Montana's three-match road trip in Portland, Ore., Feb. 10-12 which featured its first conference match of the season versus Portland State.

Mackey, a sophomore from Murrrieta, Calif., went 3-0 in singles which matched her team's performance on the weekend going 3-0 as a team.

Mackey posted wins over Valeska Hoath (Portland), Megan Govi (Portland State) and Gabriella Weissmann (Seattle). Mackey dropped only one set on the weekend when she lost her second set 3-6 to Hoath of Portland. Mackey bounced back from her only set loss with a decisive 6-1 score in the set three.

"I have just been trying to play my game, and stay focused," said an excited Mackey. "I just want to get that extra point for the team."

Mackey is 6-1 in match play this spring and has played Nos. 4, 5 and 6. Her lone loss was to Andjela Kankaras of Washington State at No. 4 dropping in the third set, 6-3 during the team's opening weekend. Since that loss Mackey has been on a five-match winning streak.

"It doesn't really matter where I am in the order," continued Mackey. "I just want to be focused and play within myself.

"Every point counts, and I will try to earn it wherever I can."

Mackey also went 2-1 in doubles on the weekend. Mackey paired with freshman Precious Gbadamosi at No. 3 and posted victories over Marina Todd/Nayantara Vadali of Portland State and Sarah Lucas/Gabriella Weissmann of Seattle.

"Ashley has been playing good tennis," said coach Steve Ascher. "The most impressive thing is her ability to make the right decisions in the clutch.

"She is playing smart, with controlled aggression, and allowing herself to play free during the big points."

The honor is the second for a Montana player in three weeks. Freshman Laurence Pelchat received the Big Sky nod after the team's opening weekend.

This "player of the week", however, is Mackey's first.

"It's always so nice to be recognized," said Mackey. "If anything it just makes me want to work that much harder."

The Grizzlies will remain home this week to practice but will be on the road again for another three-match weekend in Des Moines, Iowa, when they will play Drake, Upper Iowa an Kansas Feb. 24-26.