Women’s Tennis: Vanguard’s Labarthe named GSAC Player of the Year

Vanguard University sophomore Juliet Labarthe has been named Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year in women’s tennis.

Sophomore Nina Pudar also represents the Lions on the all-conference team.

The duo helped Vanguard (11-16, 5-5 in conference) earn an at-large berth in the 24-team NAIA championship, scheduled Tuesday through May 18 in Mobile, Ala.

Labarthe, from Oklahoma City, was 17-5 at No. 1 singles in the regular season, including an 8-0 mark against conference opponents. She was 6-2 in GSAC doubles play and 5-0 when paired with Michaele Sullivan.

Pudar, from Rykkinn, Norway, was 15-10 in singles, including a 7-2 mark in conference play. Pudar and partner Gabriele Alford won six of their final regular-season matches.

The No. 11-ranked Lions will face Evangel of Missouri (11-3), in the first round on Tuesday. Evangel, making its NAIA tournament debut, has won its last eight matches.

The winner advances to face No. 6-seeded Lindsey Wilson of Kentucky (17-2 ) in the second round on Wednesday.

— From staff reports