Men's Tennis | 4/6/2016 4:47:00 PM

STATESBORO, Ga.- For the second time this season, senior Rise Lanne picked up the Sun Belt's Athlete of the Week award after adding two match clinches to his nearly perfect 16-1 spring record this weekend. On top of clinching the Mercer and the Citadel matches for the team at the No.1 position, Lanne secured two doubles wins with partner Dani Casablancas at line one.

"It's an honor to get this award once, but for a second time now…that's simply great," Lanne said.

The Kangasala, Finland native has won 29 dual matches at the No.1 position in just two seasons as an Eagle after transferring from Lander University. This season, he's won 11 out of 16 matches in straight sets.

"This is not just a result of one good week but a long period of hard work," Lanne said. "I need to thank my teammates, coaches and staff who have helped me this far."

Along with helping the team reach a historic milestone—achieving the best spring record since 1993 (14-5)—Lanne is well on his way to etching his name into the record books for his individual accomplishments. If the season ended today, his 16 wins would put him ninth in school history for the most wins in a single season.

"I am very happy for Rise, he has been outstanding all year on and off the court," head coach Sander Koning said. "It's a sign that people do pay attention when someone does well, and hopefully he will use this as motivation to stay on course."

With three regular-season matches left and the Sun Belt Tournament, Lanne hopes to near Vincent Patry's 2005 record of 23 wins.

The Eagles play their last three matches at home before heading to New Orleans for the conference tournament April 21-24. Georgia Southern hosts ABAC at 11 a.m. on Saturday before taking on two conference foes—Georgia State and Appalachian State—next weekend. 

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