KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced a new Athlete of the Week for week eight of the 2026 women’s tennis season, presented by
ClassicCourt – the official tennis surface of the MIAA. Central Oklahoma’s Mei Hasegawa was named the MIAA Athlete of the Week, collecting the Bronchos’ third weekly honor of the season.
MIAA ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Mei Hasegawa, Central Oklahoma
Mei Hasegawa led Central Oklahoma to a 2-0 week in the MIAA, beating both Emporia State and No. 12 Washburn in Edmond. The sophomore went 4-0 playing at No. 1 singles and doubles. In the 6-1 win over the Hornets last Friday (March 27), Hasegawa won 6-3 at No. 1 doubles and 6-3, 6-4 at No. 1 singles. She then won 6-3 at No. 1 doubles, then pulled off an upset of Washburn's No. 15-ranked Renske Ubachs 6-4, 6-2 to help the Bronchos upset the Ichabods 4-3 and complete the unbeaten weekend. Hasegawa has won 10 consecutive singles matches and four straight in doubles play.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
Chiharu Ito, Northwest Missouri
Chiharu Ito went 3-0 at No. 3 singles and 3-0 at No. 3 doubles as Northwest collected a trio of dual wins. The sophomore first gained three straight-sets wins over Fort Hays State’s Ines Latorre (6-4, 6-2), Nebraska Kearney’s Clare Plachy (6-4, 6-3) and Drury's Naz Yaver (6-4, 6-1). In doubles action, Ito teamed up with Miru Nonaka at No. 3 doubles to score victories over FHSU's Ines Steeman/Janae Montoya (6-0), UNK's Valentina Zamora/Augustina Abdo (6-3) and Drury's Ina Bechle/Ana Luisa Sathler Rosa (6-3). Ito is 11-1 at No. 3 singles and has won 11 straight singles matches. She’s also 8-4 in doubles play this year. The Bearcat women have won 11 straight dual matches this spring.
Jevrosima Mitic, Missouri Western
Jevrosima Mitic played a key role in leading Missouri Western to its eighth straight win, as the Griffons improved to 10-2 overall and secured their first conference victory of the season. Mitic delivered a standout performance to help power the Griffons to victory 6-1 over Nebraska Kearney, earning wins in both singles and doubles play. Competing at No. 2 singles, Mitic battled through a three-set match, bouncing back after dropping the second set to secure a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 win. In doubles action, Mitic teamed up with Alejandra Ramirez to dominate at the No. 1 spot, cruising to a 6-3 victory. The duo set the tone early for MoWest, helping the Griffons claim the doubles point and build momentum heading into singles play. Mitic continued her strong play, contributing in both singles and doubles to lead the Griffons to a 4-0 win over Southwest Baptist. At No. 2 singles, Mitic showed resilience after dropping the opening set, rallying for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory to secure the point. In doubles action, Mitic paired with Alejandra Ramirez at the No. 1 spot and delivered a dominant 6-1 win, helping MoWest sweep doubles and take early control of the match.
Daniela Tijaro, Washburn
Daniela Tijaro went 3-1 combined on the week between singles and doubles. In the 7-0 MIAA sweep of Newman, she and Mariana Silva Balsa swept No. 2 doubles over Nicole Bono and Mariana Jimenez. She won in two sets, 6-3 and 6-2, over Anastassiya Kim at No. 3 singles. Against the Bronchos, Tijaro defeated Anika Ouwejan in three sets on court three to keep the Ichabods alive in the match.
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ClassicCourt by Tarkett Sports is a world-class post-tension concrete court system engineered for exceptional strength, durability, and long-term value. Backed by an industry-leading 50-year structural warranty, built with patented technology, and installed by PTI-certified professionals, ClassicCourt raises the standard for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and multi-sport facilities.
WEEK ONE: Pete Komada, Central Oklahoma
WEEK TWO: Patricija Cechanaviciute, Nebraska Kearney
WEEK THREE: Jasel Bailey, Washburn
WEEK FOUR: Fabiana Gamboa, Nebraska Kearney
WEEK FIVE: Johanna Priedite, Missouri Western
WEEK SIX: Anika Ouwejan, Central Oklahoma
WEEK SEVEN: Majra Djokic, Northwest Missouri
WEEK EIGHT: Mei Hasegawa, Central Oklahoma