Oxford-Emory Lady Eagles finishes 2nd at NJCAA Tennis Nationals
The Oxford College of Emory University Women’s Tennis team finished 2nd in the nation at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III tournament. The tournament was held at the historic USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, home of the US Open.
Rowan-Gloucester was the eventual 2014 national champions, becoming the first women’s program to win three straight Division III championships.
The Eagles started the tournament in dominate fashion winning all of their day one matches and lead the championship with 17 points. The weather caused the tournament to be held inside at the USTA training center on the indoor courts for the first two days.
First singles player, Stefanie Ebo, took a 6-1, 6-0 win for her first victory. Sarah Bailey, second singles, had a tough match winning a 10-8 tie breaker in the second set to complete her victory. Third singles player, Colleen Isdahl, dominated her opponent with a 6-0, 6-0 victory. Deanna Egenburg, fourth singles, played a great match against her opponent, succeeding in her 6-4, 6-2 win. Fifth singles, Kierra Toole, also came out with a great win after a tough three sets, 6-1, 4-6, 6-1. Florence Chow, sixth singles, dominated her opponent winning her first round 6-0, 6-0.
On day two, the rainy weather remained but the wins still continued. First doubles Stefanie Ebo and Sarah Bailey had a great time playing on the court together. They had so much fun dominating their opponents 6-3, 6-1 in the first round and 6-0, 6-3 in the second round. Second doubles, Colleen Isdahl and Kierra Toole, dominated their first round with a 6-1, 6-2 win. In their second round they had a tough match which split sets but because of the lack of time the matched had to be delayed until the next day. They played some great tennis but unfortunately lost in a tough third set. Third doubles, Deanna Egenburg and Monisha Rallapalli had an awesome first 6-0, 6-1 win but unfortunately lost in the second round 6-3, 6-1. Stefanie Ebo, first singles, had a tough loss in her second round losing 6-0, 6-1. Second singles Sarah Bailey also had a tough loss in her second round of singles losing 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Colleen Isdahl played a tough third singles match losing 4-6, 7-6(7-5), 6-4. Deanna Egenburg had a tough fourth singles loss, losing 6-1, 6-1. Kierra Toole, fifth singles, also had a tough loss, 6-1, 6-3. Florence Chow was able to come out with a singles win that day dominating her opponent 6-2, 6-2.
The women had a competitive day ending with 28 points putting them in second place behind Rowen who had 32 points.
On the last day of the tournament, Florence Chow, sixth singles, and Stefanie Ebo and Sarah Bailey, first doubles, had made it to the finals, and all were named Second Team All-Americans.
The weather had finally cleared up making it a great day to play outside. The women had a great time playing their matches right next to the great Arthur Ashe Stadium. Florence played a great match but unfortunately lost in a tough 2 set match. Stefanie Ebo and Sarah Bailey played a great match, fighting hard to grasp their win but unfortunately had to take a tough loss in a 3 set match ending in a close tie breaker.
“I felt the team performed exceptionally well. They worked very hard through the season both on and off the court and they were able to peak their games right at nationals” commented head coach Pernilla Hardin. “The girls proved to be great representatives of Oxford College of Emory both in their effort and their sportsmanship!”
The Oxford women’s program continued a great history of success at nationals. Oxford won the National Championship in 2011, and finished in the top 5 in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010 and now 2014.