March 23, 2006

LAS VEGAS - Joel Kielbowicz became the second UNLV netter in as many weeks to be named the Mountain West Conference Men's Tennis Player of the Week, the league announced Thursday.

It is the third such honor in the career of the senior from Las Vegas, who followed last week's winner, teammate Brett Hunter.

Kielbowicz led the Rebels to an upset victory over 49th-ranked South Carolina on March 17. Playing at the No. 1 singles position, he routed No. 115 Tom Eklund 6-0, 6-1 to mark his second straight victory over a ranked opponent. He also teamed with David Campbell to defeat the Gamecocks' top doubles team 8-5 as the Rebels won 5-2.

Kielbowicz, who also won the MWC award on Feb. 23 and March 16 of last year, improved to 8-3 at No. 1 singles and 9-4 in doubles play with Campbell this season.

The 61st-ranked Rebels close their non-conference schedule with an evening match at No. 53 Southern California on Friday. New Mexico's Iva Gersic was named MWC Women's Tennis Player of the Week.