HEY HEY Y’ALL! I’m back for another round of bringing you the scoop on all things happening in the DIII West world for the ladies. I know you missed me…
Alright so we have had quite the welcome to the 2015-2016 tennis year with three ITA Regional Championships this year out of the West, Southwest & Pacific Northwest. I have to say that I have never seen the Southwest (I’m going to call it Texas from now on) as strong as it was this year. The person who handles the UT-Tyler twitter account (whaddup @patriotstennis) got on me for not being as focused, fair call-out I must say. Okay, it wasn’t a call-out but more like a head-up…..because Texas is the real deal. Over to the PNW and Williamette University hosted the Regional event this year in SALEM, OREGON (I have no idea where that is).
TEXAS – Talk about an introduction, Kayla Casey of East Texas Baptist….yes, I said East Texas Baptist…as she took home her first ITA Regional title with a victory of Sofia “La Reina” Vega in the final. Vega, a two-time titlist/defending champion was actually seeded second this year behind Casey, as the latter defeated Vega last week as well. In terms of defending champs, order was restored as Liza Southwick and Marie Lutz of Trinity reigned supreme again, joining Casey at ITA Small College NATS! The duo defeated Casey and Kate Bramlett of East Texas Baptist in the finals. FUN FACT: Casey is a transfer from D2 Midwestern State where she won her ITA Regional last year and finished in 7th place at Nationals……muy interesante…
Overall, Texas brought home so interesting storylines…
”La Reina” is dethroned or are we seeing the start of a war between the two for the crown?
I think that “La Reina” is hungry for a win, it might not have happened this weekend but one will definitely come soon.
Trinity reigns supreme but new teams are on the horizon
Trinity gets the title again but not without new names in their path: “La Reina” and Maddie Moore (TLU), Bramlett/Casey (ETB) and another new team includes Musngi/Blacketer (UT-Tyler).
It’s all about depth baby….
So #32 Trinity is looking deeper than ever with 4 singles Quarterfinalists this weekend. Yes, it’s just ITAs you may say but a solid Top 4 plus the #1 team in the Region never hurts
PACIFIC NORTHWEST – The PNW always brings solid tennis every year but with the sisters Lawless now graduated and new regional frontrunners in play. This year did not disappoint. Summer “Summertime” Garrison of LEWIS & CLARK, fresh off of her Quarterfinal finals at Nationals in May took home a grind-fest of a final against Ella “Enchanted” Riddle of Linfield. Meanwhile, the pair of Christine Eliazo and Claudia Lew, who kinda came out of nowhere for the title over new sister act of the PNW, “Summertime” and Aurora Garrison in an all pIOs matchup.
Who is the Queen?
I am loving this rivalry that we have going on between Garrison and Riddle. According to my calculations, this was meeting 4 between the Sophomores and it is now 2-2, with both of Garrison’s victories at ITA’s and Riddles’ in dual matches. I’m really interested to see how this one plays out, especially as both teams are now solidified in the Top 35.
Depth, depth, depth again….
Is there an echo in here? NOPE. #29 Lewis & Clark stepped. it. up. both on the courts and what appears to be off, as the #squad had strong finishes in both singles and doubles. In addition to having an all pIOs final, the team of Incerpi/O’Brien fell to the sisters Garrison in the semis.
Changing of the Guard?
Now that the sisters Lawless graduated and L&C is picking up steam, will we see a new NWC champ? Whitman’s best finish this weekend was Jenna Dobrin’s semis in Singles and Doubles.
L&C Tweeting.
Coaches on fleek.
Doubles, Doubs, Dubs, I really hate auto correct…
I probably should re-read my tweets before sending them…
Ok kiddos, check out part 2 of this post coming up soon, covering the West Regional!
Stay steady,
D3WW