​NEWARK, NJ — Senior Laura Wipfli and freshman Diana Fernandes swept the Big South Conference weekly women's tennis awards, the league office announced Wednesday.

Following a 2-0 week for the Highlanders, Wipfli was named Big South Player of the Week, while Fernandes earned Big South Rookie of the Week honors.

Wipfli went undefeated in singles and doubles action with wins over Saint Joseph's and URI. Partnering with Irene Cocero at No. 1 doubles, the duo opened the week with a dominant 6-0 victory against Saint Joseph's before adding a 6-3 win over URI. In singles play, Wipfli recorded straight-set victories at the top spot, defeating Saint Joseph's Wiktoria Czerny (6-1, 6-2) and URI's Nikki Fernando (6-3, 6-2).

Fernandes teamed with Petra Koszo for a 6-2 win at No. 3 doubles against Saint Joseph's. She capped the weekend with an impressive comeback at No. 6 singles against URI, rallying past Miruna Scarlat 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 to secure the victory.

2026 Big South Player of the Week
Laura Wipfli — January 28
Irene Cocero — February 4
Paula Menendez Alvarez — February 11
Laura Wipfli — February 18

2026 Big South Rookie of the Week
Diana Fernandes — February 18

Next Up
NJIT returns home for six straight matches, beginning with FDU on Feb. 20 (10 a.m.) and Hofstra on Feb. 21 (11 a.m.).

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