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BLACKSBURG, Va. – Seniors Luka Somen and Corrado Degl’ Incerti Tocci earned recognition this week as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced its regional award winners. Somen was named the Senior of the Year while Tocci claimed the Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award in the Atlantic Region.

Somen’s on-court success combined with his leadership as team captain helped him win the Senior of the Year honor. The Karlovac, Croatia native, has tallied over 100 singles wins during his career, winning 68-percent of his matches during his four years at Tech. He has recorded a 29-10 mark this season. During his senior campaign, Somen has been ranked as high as 25th in the nation in singles and earned his third consecutive appearance on the All-ACC team. In doubles, Somen has won over 75 matches in four years and was ranked as high as 27th this season. He has continued to improve his on-court skills during his time with the Hokies, moving from the No. 3/4 singles as a freshman to play No. 1 singles as a senior. This year will mark Somen’s second consecutive trip to the NCAA Singles National Championships.

“Luka has shown great sportsmanship throughout his career,” said head coach Jim Thompson. “He is considered by all to be a fierce competitor, but I think that he has a bigger reputation for his great sportsmanship in every match. I am very proud of Luka for winning this honor.”

Tocci has tallied 63 singles and 71 doubles wins during his time at Tech. The Reggio Emilia, Italy native reached the quarterfinals of the ITA All-American Championships in doubles this year and was ranked as high as 27th nationally. Off the court, Tocci is an outstanding student-athlete, maintaining over a 3.6 GPA while majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. He earned the ACC Postgraduate Scholarship as well as being named to both the ACC and ITA Academic teams every year. In addition to his success on the court and in the classroom, Tocci has volunteered at the Montgomery County Christmas store and has been involved in the local elementary schools with Hokie Night Programs. Tocci also devoted an entire summer to doing mission work in Africa.

“Corrado’s tennis career is certainly impressive, but he competed in tennis while doing so many other things,” Thompson said. “I think he is someone who would be considered a great humanitarian now, and in the future he will certainly continue in this pursuit. Corrado has done and will continue to do great things and I couldn’t be prouder of him for winning.”

The Senior of the Year award is given to a senior in the Atlantic Region who is ranked in the top-50 nationally and the top-10 in the region. The athlete has been a consistent performer over the four years while demonstrating leadership, sportsmanship, strong performance and continued improvement. The Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and leadership as well as scholastic, extracurricular and tennis achievements.

Somen and Tocci will now advance to be considered for the national awards against the winners from the other 11 regions. The Atlantic Region is comprised of teams from Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

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