Alvarez Tabbed Big 12 Player of the Week

NORMAN – Oklahoma men's tennis senior Axel Alvarez was named Big 12 Player of the Week the conference announced Wednesday, marking the first player of the week honor for the Sooners this year.

Oklahoma played just one match last week, topping No. 22 Tulsa 4-1 at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center in Tulsa, Okla. The Sooners took the doubles point and then grabbed three singles wins to clinch the match. One of those wins came from Alvarez.

Playing at the number one singles position, the Asturias, Spain, native faced No. 97 Carlos Bautista, who entered the match with a 4-0 record in dual play. Alvarez grabbed two break points early in the first set and quickly led 5-1. He would finish the first frame 6-3 and then carry that momentum into the second. Alvarez allowed Bautista just one game in the second set, winning 6-1 to take the match and deliver OU's first point in singles.

The reigning Big 12 and national player of the year, Alvarez is now 5-4 in singles during the spring, and 6-4 in doubles with partner Spencer Papa.

The Sooners are back in action this weekend as they host No. 51 Arkansas on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. and No. 17 Memphis on Monday, Feb. 29 at 2 p.m. Both matches will be played outdoors, weather permitting. As always, admission is free.

For more information on Oklahoma Men's Tennis, follow the team on Twitter at @OU_MTennis.