The Emory University women's tennis team clinched the University Athletic Association championship for the seventh consecutive season and 30th time overall Saturday morning, defeating the University of Chicago, 5-4, in the title match in Altamonte Springs, FL.
Senior Daniela Lopez and freshman Jessica Fatemi began the match on a strong note for the Eagles, taking the second doubles point with an 8-3 decision. Chicago evened the score with an 8-6 win over sophomore Stephanie Taylor and freshman Christina Watson on court three but sophomores Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico and Defne Olcay were able to send Emory into doubles with a 2-1 advantage following the 8-6 victory at first doubles.
The Maroons earned a 6-0, 6-1 win over freshman Emma Cartledge at fourth singles to open singles play before Gonzalez-Rico (6-1, 6-2) Lopez (6-2, 6-0) and put the Eagles in front with wins on courts one and two.
Chicago did not go quietly, battling back to win on court four against freshman Lauren Yoon (6-2, 4-6, 3-2, retired) as well as on court five vs. Olcay (4-6, 6-2, 6-3) to set up a winner-take-all featuring Fatemi and Eugenia Lee on court four.
Fatemi dropped the first set 7-6 before storming back to claim the second and third sets 6-2, 6-4 to clinch the match for the Eagles.
Emory, winners of three straight, now heads into the NCAA Tournament with a 17-3 overall record and will find out its first round opponent when draws are released on Monday, May 6th.
Notes
-The victory marked Head Coach Amy Bryant's career win No. 399 in her 20-year career as she improved to 399-98 all-time.
-The UAA Championship was the 200th in the history of the Emory Athletics department.