SWARTHMORE, Pa. - The No. 16 Swarthmore College women's tennis team captured its second-straight Centennial Conference Championship with a 4-0 victory over Haverford College on Saturday. The women's program secured its seventh Centennial title and went back-to-back for just the second-time in program history.
Lola Diaz was awarded Tournament Most Valuable Player, logging a pair of wins at top doubles and singles, respectively. The senior picked up two key victories in today's championship matchup, including the doubles clincher.
Lisa Messier handled clinching duties for the Garnet with a victory at fourth singles. The senior closed out a two-set triumph to send her team to the NCAA Tournament. The Garnet secured an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second-straight season and will learn its opponent and site during Monday's NCAA Selection Show at noon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Garnet fell behind early in doubles after dropping a competitive battle at the second position. The hosts evened the score with a 7-5 victory from Hannah Kideckel/ Maya Morandat Stilling at second action, while Diaz/ Erin Li clinched at top doubles with a 7-5 decision.
- Ella Strickler struck first with a victory at third singles. The junior swiftly handled her opponent 6-0 in the opening set, before closing with a 6-1 decision. Strickler leads the team in singles wins with a 14-2 record.
- Diaz cruised at top singles, winning 6-2, 6-2 to give the Garnet a three-match advantage. The senior is unbeaten this season against Haverford's top player.
- Messier played hero with a championship-clinching win at fourth singles. The senior took the opening set 6-2, before grinding out a 6-4 finish in the second stanza.
- Kathleen Shiffer was closing in on victory at fifth singles before Messier's clincher. Shiffer won the opening set 6-1, and was leading 4-1 in the second set. Kideckel was also on pace to win at sixth singles after taking the opening set 6-4.
UP NEXT
The Garnet (15-6) will await their opponent as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Selection Show is scheduled for Monday at noon.
