Lansing Sun

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State University's junior tennis player Ozan Baris has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in the program's history to win three career Big Ten Player of the Week awards. The announcement was made by the conference office on Wednesday afternoon.

Baris shares this week's award with Gavin Young from Michigan, who was part of the winning doubles team at the ITA Midwest Regionals. This recognition comes shortly after Baris became the first MSU men's tennis player to win the ITA Midwest Regional Singles tournament.

The local talent from Okemos, Michigan, has now surpassed former Spartans Drew Lied and Nick Rinks, both of whom had previously earned two career Big Ten Player of the Week awards. "Congrats to Ozan Baris on being named #B1GMTennis Co-Player of the Week!! He becomes the first Spartan to earn three career B1G Player of the Week awards!!" stated a tweet from Michigan State Men's Tennis.

This season, Baris is also one of two Spartans to receive this accolade, joining Max Sheldon who received it on September 25. MSU has claimed two out of five weekly awards presented so far this season.

In his path to victory at the ITA Midwest Regional Tournament, Baris defeated several seeded players including William Mroz and Kenta Miyoshi from Illinois in straight sets. He only needed one tiebreaker throughout his matches.

Baris' recent regional title qualifies him for the NCAA Individual Championships set for November 19-24 in Waco, Texas. His achievements include being an ITA All-American last season and winning various other titles alongside teammate Max Sheldon.

Next for MSU's tennis team is participation in M15 Norman scheduled for October 21-24 in Norman, Oklahoma.