ST. PAUL, Minn. – Mississippi University for Women sophomore Macie Manasco (Mathiston, Miss./Eupora H.S.) has been selected as the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) South Division Player of the Week for women's tennis, it has been announced by the league office. 
 
"I'm really proud of Macie and the hard work she puts in every single day," MUW Head Coach Daniel Talley said. "Her resilience and perseverance is core to who she is as a tennis player and as a person. It is a joy to have her on this team."
 
Manasco went 2-0 in singles last week, playing at the No. 3 position for the Owls. On Friday, versus Ella Hathcoch of Huntingdon College, Manasco won a grueling three-set decision. After losing set one, 6-2, Manasco stormed back to take set two, 7-6 (7-3 in the tiebreaker). She then won the deciding set three proset by a 10-7 score.
 
Then, in Saturday morning's match versus LaGrange College, Manasco led a 9-0 Owls drubbing of the Panthers. Versus Ellie Smith, Manasco notched a "double bagel" win, 6-0, 6-0, to set the tone for the day.
 
In doubles play last week, Manasco – along with partner Audrey Foreman – fell to Huntingdon playing No. 2 pairs. But, versus LaGrange, Manasco teamed up with Karen Calzadilla at No. 1 doubles to take an 8-3 win.
 
"I am honored to win," Manasco said of the UMAC award. "My coach, team, and I have worked hard to become the team we are today. I am thankful for God giving me the ability and strength to play tennis, my team and coach who have encouraged me, and my family who have supported me throughout my tennis journey."
 
2023-24 is MUW's first season as a member of the UMAC – as well as full NCAA Division III members - for tennis.
 
Manasco and her Owls' teammates will next compete on March 5 at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee.