NEW ORLEANS, La. - Middle Tennessee freshman Richard Cowden has been named Sun Belt Player of the Week as announced by the league office on Wednesday.
Cowden began the 2008 season 4-0 before losing to conference rival No. 66 Denver.
Cowden now has a record of 5-1 after defeating Chi-Lang Pham (6-1, 7-4 [7-4]) of No. 40 Minnesota. His win over Pham clinched a 6-1 win for Middle Tennessee over the Gophers.
Against No. 35 Virginia Tech, Cowden posted the only win for Middle Tennessee as he defeated Brandon Corace 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 in the No. 6 position.
To begin the 2008 season, Cowden won his match with Michigan State's Tyler Sauerbrey 7-4 (4-0), 5-7, 10-8. In doubles action, Cowden is 5-1. Cowden paired with Joao Paoliello to post 8-4 wins over Denver and Minnesota.
The Blue Raiders will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 9 and Sunday, Feb. 10 when they face No. 55 New Mexico and No. 48 East Tennessee. Saturday and Sunday's matches are each set for 2 p.m. at the Racquet Club.
Admission to the Racquet Club is free. Pizza and drinks will also be available at each match. Live stats will be available for the match on www.goblueraiders.com