PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers tennis has announced its award recipients for the 2018-19, including the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award and team distinguished honors.


 
Junior Kat Muzik was named Rutgers' Big Ten Sportsmanship Award recipient, the league announced Thursday. Muzik led the team at the No. 1 doubles spot and No. 3 singles position this year. The Mabelton, Georgia, native recorded 19 overall singles wins, 11 dual singles wins, and four Big Ten singles wins in 2018-19. She also contributed to 17 overall doubles wins this season.
 

Additionally, Muzik picked up the team's Red and Black Award, awarded to the person who continues to lift the team up with their positive RU spirit.
 

Freshman Tess Fisher was elected this year's MVP in a team vote. Fisher made an immediate impact her rookie year, jumping to No. 2 in the singles lineup. The Vineland, New Jersey, native posted a nonconference record of 6-2 before going on to collect three Big Ten victories in league play.
 
Fisher helped collect five conference doubles wins on the year, going 4-1 with classmate Sydney Kaplan at the No. 3 spot. Overall, Fisher recorded nine singles wins and 11 doubles wins in dual action.
 
Including the fall campaign, Fisher and partner Muzik led the team with a 16-9 record at the No. 1 doubles spot. The duo reached the doubles semifinals at the 2018 ITA Northeast Regional Championships this past fall, advancing as the only unseeded pair and marking the highest recorded finish for Rutgers.
 

Sophomore Maya Jacobs earned the Grit Award, which is presented to the person who demonstrates hard work in all training and competitions. Jacobs guided Rutgers at the No. 1 singles position, opening the year in nonconference with a 6-1 record in singles. Despite sitting out for the start of conference due to injury, Jacobs returned to finish out the season at the top of the lineup.
 
Rutgers closed the year with its highest overall win total since joining the Big Ten conference. The Scarlet Knights picked up Big Ten wins over Penn State in nonconference play and Nebraska in league action this season.
 
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (Rutgers Athletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers women's tennis, follow the program on Facebook (RutgersTennis), Twitter and Instagram (@RutgersTennis). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.