Lady Tiger tennis remains in fourth place after day three of national tournament

Advancing five singles teams and a doubles team to the semifinals, the Cowley College women's tennis team remains in fourth place after day three of the NJCAA Division I National Championships held in Mesa, Arizona. The Lady Tigers have 32 team points and are just four points behind current tournament leader Tyler Junior College (36 points).

"We had a great day three. The girls are playing their best tennis of the season at the perfect time," Cowley head coach Manuel Raga said.

Cowley advanced singles players' Isid Hernandez, Laura Quezada, Saara Kunakunova, Andrea Rodriguez, and Ane Ibarra to Tuesday's semifinals. While, the Lady Tigers' No. 3 doubles team of Ibarra and Rodriguez also advanced to the semifinals.

"Isid Hernandez defeated the No. 2-ranked singles player in the nation, she is feeling great physically and mentally for the challenge ahead," Raga said. "Saara Kunakunova's game seems to be improving on a daily basis here at the national tournament, and Ane Ibarra and Andrea Rodriguez both have been playing really good and dominating their opponents, they are ready for today's challenge. 

Cowley results:

SINGLES

*No. 1 – Isid Hernandez (Cowley) defeated Linda Eloundou (NMMI) 6-1 7-5; defeated Chloe Certain (Harford) 6-3, 6-1; defeated Justine Lespes (Seward) 3-6,6-3,6-2.

*No. 2 – Laura Quezada (Cowley) defeated Sage Schula (Mesa) 6-0 6-0; defeated Carla Montaruli (Meridian) 6-0, 6-1; defeated Aliya Henry (Eastern Arizona) 6-1,6-2.

*No. 3 – Lea Rebreyend (Cowley) defeated Anna Woods (CACC) 6-1 6-2; lost to Violet Apisha (Tyler) 6-1 6-0.

*No. 4 – Saara Kunakunova (Cowley) received a bye in the first-round; defeated Sarah Forsyth (SCF) 6-4, 6-3; defeated Mann-Ning Li(Collin) 6-1,6-3.

*No. 5 – Andrea Rodriguez (Cowley) received a bye in the first-round; defeated Ralie Boles (Meridian) 6-0 6-0; defeated Paula Acosta (Collin) 6-0 6-0.

*No. 6 – Ane Ibarra (Cowley) received a bye in the first-round; defeated Hailey Vintoe (Barton) 6-0 6-2. defeated Claire Griffith (Kaskaskia) 6-0 6-0.

DOUBLES

*No. 1 – Quezada & Rebreyend (Cowley) defeated Beladova & Vidal (Iowa Central) 6-1 6-4; Quezada & Rebreyend (Cowley) defeated Martin & Vandiver (CACC) 6-2, 6-2; lost to A. De Souza & N. Nishimura (Barton) 6-3,6-1.

*No. 2 – Hernandez & Kunakunova defeated Black & Beukes (ABAC) 6-2 6-1; Hernandez & Kunakunova (Cowley) defeated Warren &  Brister (CO-LIN) 6-2 6-1; lost to A. Violet & E. Schwarte (Tyler) 6-2,6-0.

*No. 3 – Ibarra & Rodriguez (Cowley) received a bye in the first-round; defeated Garcia & Martincova (Eastern Florida) 5-7, 6-2, 6-0 defeated C. Torrico & S. Vogelzang (Seward) 6-1, 6-1.