BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Freshman Helen Alex has been chosen as the Illinois Wesleyan women's tennis team's "Most Valuable Player" for the 2009-10 season.

Alex (Darien, Ill., Hinsdale South HS) was a first team all-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin selection as she finished second at No. 1 singles in the CCIW tournament, losing in the finals tto Wheaton's Elizabeth Worsowicz, 6-1, 6-1. Worsowicz was the CCIW "Player of the Year."

As of April 22, Alex has a singles record of 6-7 and has teamed with fellow freshman Liz Exo (Frankfort, Ill. / Lincoln-Way East HS) for a 7-9 record at No. 1 doubles.

In other team awards, Annie Nord (Bloomington, Ill. / Normal U High) was named "Most Improved Player" and Cassie Devore (Normal, Ill. / Normal West HS) and Jenna Rowland (Bourbonnais, Ill. / Bradley-Bourbonnais HS) were appointed as co-captains for the 2010-11 squad.

Head coach Krista Cardona awarded letters to six players, five of whom return for next season. They are:

SENIOR
Cate Hunter, Oak Park-River Forest HS

JUNIORS
Cassie Devore, Normal, Ill. / Normal West HS
Sarah Wilson, Lake Zurich, Ill. / Lake Zurich HS

FRESHMEN
Helen Alex, Darien, Ill. / Hinsdale South HS
Liz Exo, Frankfort, Ill. / Lincoln-Way East HS
Alissa Goetz, Belleville, Ill. / Belleville Althoff HS