UCI’s Matthews collects first Big West honor

UC Irvine freshman Fabian Matthews, a Corona del Mar High product, was recently named Big West Conference Player of the Week in men’s tennis.

Matthews went 2-1 last week with wins over Tim Schulz Van Enderet of San Diego State and Benito Suriano of Utah.

Matthews defeated Schulz Van Enderet, 6-4, 6-0, at No. 5 singles, the lone win for the Anteaters, who lost, 6-1. Matthews beat Suriano, 6-2, 6-2, at No. 3 singles to help lead UCI to a 6-1 win over visiting Utah.

Matthews’ lone loss was to Matt Kecki of USC 5-7, 7-6, 10-5, as the ’Eaters were blanked, 7-0.

This is the first career honor for Matthews and the second honor for the Anteaters this season.

Matthews was a two-time CIF Southern Section doubles champion.

UCI (2-6, 1-0 in conference) plays at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo today at noon.

— From staff reports