The nationally ranked No. 18 Cameron women’s tennis team earned their place in the NCAA Division II National Tournament after taking out No. 30 Midwestern State 5-3 in the NCAA Regional Tournament on Tuesday.

Things started out slow for the Aggies, as Amanda Moberg and Julia Puckhaber were the only pair able to secure a doubles victory. The talented tandem overcame the No. 11 duo of Rozike van Rensburg and Alex Odell-Michels in a close 9-7 decision at the top position.

The CU teams at the No. 2 and No. 3 slots fell to the Mustangs 8-2 and 8-3 respectively.

Fortunately, the women were able to make a comeback in singles play.

Women’s tennis coach James Helvey said even after starting off in a hole after doubles, he was confident his team could pull out the win.
 
“Many times I thought we could win, even after doubles I still thought so. We were constantly fighting—it was just a matter of who was going to clench it,” he said.

Though Antonia Moberg was unable get past Lindsey Holcomb at the No. 5 spot and suffered a 6-1, 6-0 loss, that would be the last match CU would lose.

Elvira Sholles picked up the first singles win of the day for the Black and Gold by routing Leah Roberts 6-0, 6-3 at the No. 3 position.

No. 23 Amanda Moberg had yet another routine victory at the top slot, earning an easy 6-0, 6-2 decision over van Rensburg. The Swede’s remarkable showing tied the contest against the Mustangs 3-3.

Florencia Tornero went on to crush Ashley Huse 6-4, 6-1 at the No. 6 spot, and her impressive performance gave the Aggies a 4-3 lead.

The deciding matches were left to be determined by Puckhaber and Londono at No. 2 and No. 4, but it was Londono who reached victory first.

The CU junior grabbed the first set in a tight tiebreaker, and was up 5-2 with match points on her racquet in the second set, but it would take another tiebreaker before she could close it out. Londono clutched a 7-6(6), 7-6(5) win over Abbie Lewis, which secured the regional contest for the Aggies.

Helvey said he was more than pleased by his squad’s performance.

“I am very excited. Today was a big day,” he said. “I haven’t taken a women’s team to the final 16 before, so I am very proud of the girls. They are most deserving.”

The regional champions improved their record to 18-7 by winning the match-up against MSU and now advance to the national tournament, which begins May 11 in Altamonte Springs, Fla.