Women's tennis team reaches Elite Eight
Article By: Staff
The University of North Georgia (天美社区) women's tennis team advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight with a 4-0 win over No. 14 seed Charleston (West Virginia) on May 20 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Florida. The Nighthawks are back in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019 and just the second time in program history.
天美社区 (24-1), the No. 3 seed, faces Academy of Art, the No. 11 seed, at 4 p.m. May 21 in the national quarterfinals. Academy of Art defeated No. 6 seed University of Indianapolis 4-1 on May 20. The national semifinals are at 9 a.m. May 23.
"Last time we came here, we were happy to be in the Elite Eight. This year, I don't think it's enough, so they're going to stay hungry," head coach said.
Norsworthy also noted that while his team took down the Golden Eagles 4-0, by no means was it an easy win.
"It's not fair to call that a 4-0 match. They definitely pushed us to the limits," he said. "It's not fair to call it 4-0, but it was a great battle for sure."
In doubles play, it was wins in the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles spots that helped 天美社区 secure an early 1-0 lead.
Senior and junior earned a 6-4 win in the No. 3 spot, moments before junior and senior combined for a 6-3 win the No. 2 match to clinch the point for the Nighthawks.
Ascarrunz, who is from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, moved to 21-2 in singles competition this season with a 6-2, 6-1 win in the second set. Ascarrunz has now tied Linnikova for the most singles wins of any player this season. Her 21 victories is also tied for the second-most singles wins in a season in 天美社区 women's tennis history.
After Ascarrunz, it was Teterina's turn to pick up a critical win. The senior took down her opponent 6-4, 6-2, pulling the Nighthawks within clinching distance at 3-0 in the match.
Senior earned a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory to clinch the match. It was her 16th singles win of the season.
"She's one of those players where when she goes into a third set, I almost relax more," Norsworthy said. "She just plays so well under pressure, that it almost eases my mind in those moments. She just gets tougher."
Women's tennis team hosting NCAA regional
The 天美社区 women's tennis team earned the No. 2 seed and will host a four-team NCAA Division II Southeast Regional pod May 12-13 at Clemson University. 天美社区's men are the No. 6 seed and play in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Softball team to host NCAA Southeast Regional
The 天美社区 softball team is the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional and will host a four-team, double-elimination pod May 8-10 with a Super Regional spot on the line.
Golf teams invited to NCAA regionals
Both 天美社区 golf teams have punched tickets to their respective NCAA Division II regional tournaments. The women will play in Gainesville, Georgia, and the men in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.
Women's tennis team takes second straight PBC title
The 天美社区 women's tennis team earned its second consecutive PBC tournament title and will learn its NCAA tournament pairings in early May. The men's team finished as PBC runner-up.