Yusef Barnes, James Cuthbertson, and Khadijha Battle have all been recognized this week by the CIAA as the Rookies and Coach of the Week
Hampton, VA – Johnson C. Smith University men's and women's tennis have been recognized by the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) for weekly honors based on performance during the week ending March 16th. Freshmen Yusef Barnes (Leander, TX) and
Khadijha Battle (Atlanta, GA) have been selected as the Men's and Women's Rookie of the Week, respectively. Head coach
James Cuthbertson, Jr. has been named Men's and Women's Coach of the Week.
After losing his first 11 matches, Barnes has rebounded to win four straight during the CIAA roundup. He defeated Nate Sangster of Lincoln and Jaymes Berry of Virginia Union twice in number two singles. Barnes also went 3-0 this weekend at the roundup in number two doubles play with freshman partner
Kia Brewington (Siler City, NC).
Battle is currently on a four-match winning streak in both singles and doubles play. She plays at the No. 4 spot in singles and No. 1 doubles with sophomore partner
Rankin Anderson (Decatur, GA). Battle has only allowed two set points in her last four singles matches.
Prior to the roundup, JCSU women's tennis had a record of 3-11 and the men were 0-12 on the season. Coach Cuthbertson has JCSU on a four-match winning streak for both teams; all against CIAA opponents. JCSU went a perfect 3-0 on the women's side and 4-0 on the men's side this week at the CIAA cross divisional roundup. The women's team also won a divisional match against Fayetteville State 9-0 just before the roundup.
JCSU men's and women's tennis plays their next match on Wednesday, March 27th against Shaw University. First serve in this divisional clash is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at the Biltmore Hills Park in Raleigh, NC.
