Freshman Marianna Petrei has shattered expectations in her first season with the University of Idaho women’s tennis team.
Petrei was named the Big Sky Player of the Week on Wednesday for the second time this year.
The two honors are just a glimpse into Petrei’s explosive freshman campaign. She currently owns a 14-2 record and is undefeated against Big Sky opponents.
Originally from the small town of Udine, Italy, Petrie grew up enjoying both tennis and gymnastics. As she grew up, she was forced to decide between the two.
“I wasn’t very good at gymnastics,” said Petrei.
Petrei’s parents were the first to kindle her interest in tennis at the age of 10. The Italian native continued to play recreationally while attending school, but never participated in competitive events.
Petrei said her decision to bring her talents to the University of Idaho was greatly influence by the Moscow scenery and the college campus. Petrei said the cold weather has been somewhat difficult to adjust to, but she appreciates the beauty of the Palouse.
The weather has done little to slow Petrei down. Her only two losses of the season were in matches with a tiebreaking third set.
Petrei has quickly become known around the Big Sky Conference for her accomplishments in singles play. The freshman earned the No. 1 spot on the team due to her strong performances.
“In singles, it’s different,” Petrei said. “It’s just you. You can do whatever you want.”
Petrei has used her singles freedom to her advantage in recent weeks, dispatching opponents from Sonoma State, San Jose and Sacramento State.
Petrei’s wins have allowed Idaho to remain competitive in several recent matches.
Notable opponents for the freshman have included Sybille Gauvain of San Jose State and Alina Soltanici of Sacramento State. Gauvain was an All-Mountain West selection last year, while Soltanici was undefeated in conference play before facing Petrei.
Idaho head coach Mariana Cobra said she has been impressed with the freshman’s early success.
“Maria has been one of our top players over the last few matches,” Cobra said.
As the season comes to a close in the next few weeks, Petrei will look to spark the Vandals to a first place finish in the Big Sky Conference. Idaho currently sits fourth in the standings, but the program is tied for the most overall wins in the conference.
Petrei and the Vandals will return to the court April 1 in Moscow to face Eastern Washington.
Brandon Hill can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @brandonmtnhill Â