Date Posted: 4/4/2008

MACON, Ga. - USC Upstate continued its blitz through the Atlantic Sun Conference last week in this, the Spartans first season of Division I competition. The Spartans remained undefeated in conference play and upended defending champion Jacksonville with junior Daniela Lovera providing the clinching point. On Friday, she became the third Spartan named Player of the Week this season, the conference office announced.

Lovera improved to 7-0 in conference play in singles with two wins at No. 4 singles against UNF and Jacksonville last week, and also added a 2-1 mark at No. 2 doubles with teammate Susana Hernandez, taking a loss only at No. 41 South Florida. The economics major clinched the win over Jacksonville on Friday at No. 4 singles with 6-2, 6-2 win over Juliana Umeki to put Spartans in sole possession of first place in the conference. The Caracas, Venezuela native helped USC Upstate get the first doubles win of the match as well, teaming with Hernandez against Lena Willi and Fernanda Carrero, 8-5. Lovera also added singles and doubles wins in 5-2 win over UNF on Friday.

The Atlantic Sun Conference is a 12-member league committed to Building Winners for Life, with a focus on academic and athletic integrity and a balance between the two for the student-athlete, and maintaining a high level of sportsmanship. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun encompasses six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun consists of some of the most dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, Campbell University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Gardner-Webb University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.

Other Top Performers:

Amy Beavers, Gardner-Webb (Jr. – Kingsport, Tenn. – Undecided) – Has won 11 straight singles matches, and is 7-0 in conference play.

Lena Willi, Jacksonville (Sr. – Freiburg, Germany – Undecided) – Dolphins No. 2 went 3-0 over the week, including picking up two key conference wins for the Dolphins.