NORCROSS, Ga. ---- Auburn Montgomery sophomore Nicolas Pinones-Haltenhoff was named the first Southern States Athletic Conference men's tennis player of the week after leading the Warhawks over Division III No. 1 Emory last Friday.

This is the third time that Pinones-Haltenhoff has been recognized by the conference. He also won the award for the last two weeks of the 2012 season, when he was named the conference's Player and Freshman of the Year.

The Barcelona, Spain, native improved to 4-0 in singles play this season with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Emory No. 1 Eric Halpern. Halpern entered the match as the 23rd-ranked player in NCAA Division III. Pinones-Haltenhoff improved to 2-0 against ranked players in 2013, and he is currently on an 11-match winning streak in singles dating back to 2012.

He also won his No. 3 doubles match 8-5 with partner Miguel Grifol, improving to 3-1 in doubles for the year. The Warhawks, ranked second in the NAIA, edged Emory 5-4, improving to 3-1 this season and ending the defending national champion Eagles' 27-match winning streak.

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association lists Pinones-Haltenhoff as the second-ranked singles player in the NAIA, and he is a part of the top-rated doubles team with partner Tim Hewitt.

AUM returns to action tomorrow afternoon with a 1 p.m. home match against conference opponent Lee. The Flames are ranked 25th in the NAIA.