The Intercollegiate Tennis Association revealed Monday that three UNC men’s tennis players were recipients of ITA Regional Player awards for the 2020 season, which was shortened by the coronavirus pandemic.

William Blumberg was named the Carolina Region’s Senior Player of the Year, while Rinky Hijikata earned Rookie of the Year honors and Benjamin Sigouin was named the Regional Player to Watch.

Blumberg was 10-0 in singles dual matches this season and went 10-2 in doubles competition on his way to earning All-American recognition in both competitive formats.

Hijikata went undefeated in his first season as a collegiate player, reaching as high as No. 47 in the ITA singles rankings.

Sigouin, meanwhile, was hampered by injuries early in the year but returned to go 5-2 in singles play and is expected to have a big year in 2021.

“The Carolina Region is one of the toughest in the country, filled with some very talented teams,” UNC head coach Sam Paul said. “To win three awards in that type of region is quite an accomplishment. We’re certainly thankful to the committee, but we’re also so very proud of the accomplishments of William, Benjamin and Rinky.”

UNC ended the season with a 12-1 record and was ranked No. 2 in the country as a team.

 

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Photo via UNC Athletics

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