University of Oklahoma Athletics

Beleleu Set for UVa Invitational Finals

Paval Named Big 12 Freshman of the Year

May 12, 2010 | Men's Tennis

By: Athletics Communications

May 12, 2010

IRVING, Texas – Oklahoma's Costin Paval was named the 2010 Big 12 Freshman of the Year, while junior Ionut Beleleu made the All-Big 12 team, announced by the league office Wednesday.

Paval, ranked No. 74 in singles and No. 18 in doubles, becomes the first Sooner to win a post-season award for the OU men's tennis program after boasting a 25-8 overall record, in which the Bucharest, Romania native went 16-4 in dual matches. At No. 3 singles, he boasted a 12-4 record while also claiming a 1-0 mark at No. 1 singles and 3-0 at No. 2.

“Costin deserves it after going 16-4 at two and three singles all year,” head coach John Roddick said. “I think he only lost twice in Big 12 play, so that is a pretty impressive year. I felt that he really deserved this award. Winning an award like that shows he has a bright future.”

Beleleu, No. 65 in singles and No. 49 in doubles, was one of 12 athletes to make the All-Big 12 team after a stellar junior campaign in which the Zalua, Romania, product produced an overall record of 25-13, and a 13-8 mark in dual action. Beleleu spent the majority of the year competing at the No. 2 position where he went 9-5. He also claimed a 2-3 record at No. 1 singles and 2-0 at No. 3.

“Johny (Ionut Beleleu) has been here three years now and to make that team and play as well as he did in the regular season after moving up to No. 1 for a few weeks is a testament to the type of player he is,” said Roddick. “It is great and exciting for Johny to get the recognition he deserves.”

Oklahoma now turns its attention to its first round matchup against in-state foe Tulsa Friday, May 14 at 2 p.m. For a preview of the match click here.

To view the Big 12 Conference release with a complete list of the 2010 All-Big 12 team click here.

2010 All-Big 12 Awards  
Coach of the Year Michael Center, Texas
Co-Players of the Year Dimitar Kutrovsky, Texas
Austin Krajicek, Texas A&M
Newcomer of the Year Jeff Dadamo, Texas A&M
Freshman of the Year Costin Paval, Oklahoma

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