Athenas Win SCIAC Tournament

The No. 9 ranked women's tennis team of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps defeated rival, No. 14 Pomona-Pitzer, 5-4, on Saturday, in the finals of the SCIAC tournament. This marks the 14^th time the Athenas have won the conference championship.

Although CMS had defeated Pomona-Pitzer, 9-0, earlier in the season, it was clear from the start that this would be a strongly contested match. The Athenas found themselves in unfamiliar territory, falling behind 1-2 to the Sagehens, at the conclusion of the doubles competition. At number one, Kristin Lim and Jessie Huang prevented the sweep with an 8-4 decision.

In singles competition, the bottom-half of the lineup brought home the title for CMS. At number four, Sarah Kukino put an exclamation point on a terrific, rookie season. The freshman from Lihue (HI) retired her opponent in straight sets (6-3, 6-3).

Chloe Dobbert and Jaclyn Smrecek, at five and six respectively, continued the strong and reliable play that they have demonstrated all season. Dobbert defeated her opponent 6-2, 6-1, and Smrecek won 6-1, 6-2.

At number one, Kristin Lim (No. 1) won her second consecutive individual title, defeating Jamie Solomon (No. 14) in straight sets (6-1, 6-2).

In those two matches, Victoria Santoro, Victoria Nichols, and Sheena Patel, moved into the lineup and demonstrated the great depth of this squad. Santoro won her individual match against Cal Lutheran, lead her match against Occidental, and went 2-0 in doubles matches, while teaming with Smrecek.

In recognition of their undefeated record within regional competition, CMS was awarded the Women's NCAA Regional Tournament. Play will begin Friday, at the Biszantz Family Tennis Center.