Simmons College sophomore Katy Hallinan (Lakeville, Mass.) was named the GNAC Women's Tennis Player of the Week, and freshman Athena Lynch (Andover, Mass.) was named GNAC Women's Tennis Rookie of the Week, the Great Northeast Athletic Conference announced on Monday.

Hallinan led the GNAC with three singles victories last week. She registered one singles win against Brandeis University, beating opponent Sarah Richman in three tough sets, 3-6, 6-2, 10-8. Hallinan would then compete in the NEWITT for the Sharks and beat two of her opponents, Caroline Hobert from Babson, 6-2, 6-1 and Gianna Teague from Smith College, 6-4, 6-3.

"Katy Hallinan continues to play well and win despite facing very tough competition. Putting together three consecutive wins against Brandeis, Babson and Smith in one week is remarkable," said Head Coach Bob Rauseo. "Katy's success is rooted in her desire, determination and willingness to do whatever it takes to win a point."

So far this season, Katy Hallinan is 9-4 overall and 6-0 GNAC in singles play for the Sharks.

Lynch had a perfect day against the Brandeis University Judges. In singles competition, Lynch beat her opponent, Davida Judelson, 6-2, 6-1. She then went on to team up with doubles partner, junior Jordan Borash (Marblehead, Mass.) to defeat Nina Levine and Ria Chadha 8-5.

"Athena Lynch is having a great rookie campaign for the Sharks," said Rauseo. "She leads the team in doubles victories and more recently has done well in singles. Picking up a singles win against a strong Brandeis team would have seemed unlikely a couple of months ago. However, her ability to get to the ball and stay in points has her improving at a very rapid rate."

Athena Lynch is 4-3 overall in singles matches and 11-4 in doubles matches so far this season for Simmons.