Emory University Claims Second Straight NCAA Championship

Memphis, TN---For the second straight year, the members of the Emory University Eagles women's tennis team are NCAA Division III National Champions. On the indoor courts of the Racquet Club of Memphis (due to inclement weather in Memphis), the Eagles cruised to 5-0 victory over the Amherst Jeffs on Friday 5/14.

The Eagles quickly took a commanding 3-0 lead with strong doubles performances. The defending National Doubles Champions Mary Ellen Gordon and Jolyn Taylor defeated the Jeffs' Tristan Hendrick and Rachel Holt at #1 doubles (8-5). At #2 doubles, Emory's Carina Alberelli and Margaret Moscato defeated Wallis Molchen and Kristen Raverta (8-5). Also earning an 8-5 win was the Eagles' #3 team of Jamie Chan and Richelle Marasigan, who defeated Amherst's Hadley Miller and Erin Murphy.

The Eagles did not let up as they entered singles play. Needing just two more points to claim the NCAA Championship, they got those points from the only two seniors on the team roster. First off the court was defending National Singles Champion Mary Ellen Gordon, who defeated Hendrick at #1 singles (6-2, 6-3). Moscato clinched the Eagles' victory at #5 singles with a win (6-1, 6-2) over Molchen. The match was played to decision, leaving the remaining four singles matches unfinished.

Emory's players will now set their sights on the individual singles and doubles tournaments. Play begins at 9:00am tomorrow (Saturday 5/15) at both Rhodes College and at the Racquet Club of Memphis. Emory's Mary Ellen Gordon and Jolyn Taylor are seeded #1 in doubles, and Gordon is seeded #1 in singles.

Doubles

#1 Gordon/Taylor (EU) def. Hendrick/Holt (AC)...... 8-5
#2 Alberelli/Moscato (EU) def. Molchen/Raverta (AC)...... 8-5
#3 Chan/Marasigan (EU) def. Miller/Murphy (AC)...... 8-5

Singles

#1 Gordon (EU) def. Hendrick (AC)...... 6-2, 6-3
#2 Taylor (EU) led Raverta (AC)...... 6-3, 2-3 (DNF)
#3 Holt (AC) led Alberelli (EU)...... 6-3, 3-3 (DNF)
#4 Miller (AC) led Marasigan (EU)...... 6-3, 2-1 (DNF)
#5 Moscato (EU) def. Molchen (AC)...... 6-1, 6-2
#6 Chan (EU) led Hudson (AC)...... 6-3, 1-2 (DNF)