The No. 4 ranked Emory University women's tennis team will once again play for the University Athletic Association championship following a come-from-behind win over No. 11 ranked Carnegie Mellon University in the semifinals Saturday afternoon in Altamonte Springs, FL.
The Eagles found themselves in a 2-1 hole at the conclusion of doubles as the Tartans were winners on courts two and three after senior Christina Watson and sophomore Ana Cristina Perez opened the match with their convincing 8-3 win at the No. 1 position.
Perez got Emory back on the board with her 6-0, 6-1 takedown at fifth singles but CMU answered on court one, defeating senior Emma Cartledge 6-2, 6-1 to regain a one point lead at 3-2. Junior Stephanie Shulman was able to add a straight set win though on four to even the score at three, posting the 6-2, 6-4 win.
The final three matches all went decisive third sets to try and decide a winner. Carnegie Mellon moved to the brink of victory, winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 over Watson on court three, forcing the Eagles into a must-win scenario on the remaining two courts.
Junior Alexa Goetz rallied from one set down to win her match 2-6, 6-1, 7-5 at the sixth spot before freshman Eliza McPherron clinched the match with her 7-6 (4), 1-6, 6-1 decision on court two.
The Eagles now advance to their 33rd UAA championship match and will be in search of the program's eighth straight and 31st overall UAA crown when they take on No. 1 ranked and No. 1 seeded University of Chicago in the title match, beginning at 8:30 AM Sunday morning at Sanlando Park.