Lander University

Hailey Franklin

Women's Tennis 2/16/2026 3:08:00 PM Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Zarza Earns Second Straight PBC Player of the Week Honor, Makes Program History

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Lander junior Maria Jose Zarza has been named the Peach Belt Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week for the second consecutive week, the league office announced Monday.

The honor marks the second of Zarza's career and makes program history, as Lander has now earned back-to-back Player of the Week honors for the first time ever. It also marks the first time in program history that the Bearcats have had two Player of the Week selections in the same season.

Zarza, a native of Asunción, Paraguay, played a pivotal role in Lander's thrilling 4-3 victory over Coker at the Joe Cabri Tennis Center on Feb. 11. In a tightly contested match that came down to the final courts, Zarza delivered in both doubles and singles to help the Bearcats remain unbeaten.

She teamed with Thilda Danielsson at No. 2 doubles to clinch the doubles point, battling to a 7-6 (7-5) victory over Caroline Myers and Salome Sierra. The doubles point ultimately proved crucial in the narrow team win.

Zarza continued her strong performance in singles, earning a straight-sets victory at the No. 1 position with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Ilona Sanchez. Her win helped keep momentum on Lander's side during a match that saw multiple lead changes.

Through the early portion of the season, Zarza has been dominant at the top of the lineup. She remains unbeaten with a 3-0 record in both singles and doubles, providing consistent leadership for the Bearcats.

Zarza and the Bearcats will look to continue their strong start when Lander returns to action on the road against North Greenville on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

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Players Mentioned

Maria Jose Zarza: 5' 2"; Junior

Thilda Danielsson: Junior

Players Mentioned

Maria Jose Zarza
: 5' 2"; Junior

Thilda Danielsson
: Junior