May 4, 2015

Cintas wins Maverick Award, Mena named tennis team MVP

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Junior Alvaro Cintas received the Johnny Donnelly Maverick Award and freshman Eduardo Mena was named the team's Most Valuable Player as the Tennessee Tech tennis team gathered recently for it's annual post-season awards picnic. Head coach Kenny Doyle announced the award winners.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Junior Alvaro Cintas received the Johnny Donnelly Maverick Award and freshman Eduardo Mena was named the team's Most Valuable Player as the Tennessee Tech tennis team gathered recently for it's annual post-season awards picnic. Head coach Kenny Doyle announced the award winners.

John and Marty Donnelly, who established the Maverick Award in 1999, presented the award named in memory of their late son, Tech Sports Hall of Fame member Johnny Donnelly.

"The Maverick Award is given for determination," said John Donnelly. "It's an honor and privilege this year to present the award to Alvaro."

A third-year player from Madrid, Spain, Esteban played in the No. 4 singles position for the Golden Eagles and at No. 2 in doubles alongside Mena and senior Artem Tarasov. In Singles, he finished the season 7-13, but was 6-2 in Ohio Valley Conference play. He finished the season on a five-match win streak as well. In doubles play, when paring with Mena, Cintas didn't find much success as they duo went 4-10, 0-3 OVC, but he showed his determination as he rebounded to go 2-2, 2-1 with Tarasov as his partner.

Mena had a stellar rookie campaign, earning TTU's first OVC Freshman of the Year honor since 2012. A 10-match winning-streak highlighted his successful first campaign that saw the native of Buitrago del Lozoya, Spain finish with a 15-6 overall singles record, and a 6-1 OVC record between the No. 2 and 3 spots. Mena's first year was also highlighted by wins over players from Louisville and Tennessee, and a crucial win over Belmont to help the Golden Eagles top the Bruins to stay perfect at home.

Doyle also recognized the team's only outgoing senior in Tarasov. The four-year player from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, received a photo plaque in recognition of his Golden Eagle experience. Tarasov wrapped up play as a Golden Eagle showing his dominance in doubles play, recording a 5-2 record in the OVC this season, and finished his career with 44 career doubles wins.