Westmont sophomores Jessica Cedillo and Grace Davis won the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) NAIA West Regional doubles tournament on Saturday afternoon at Biola University in La Mirada.
The Warrior duo defeated Rye Hewett-Steiger and Florencia Martina from Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) by a score of 8-5.
“Grace and Jess played great and went up 6-1,” reported Westmont head coach Kendyll McManigal. “Before we knew it, the score was 6-5. Then Grace and Jess were able to close it out.
With the win, Cedillo and Davis qualify to participate in the ITA NAIA National Small College Championship in Fort Meyers, Florida, October 10-13. The Warrior doubles team will meet up with the winners of the seven other NAIA regional tournaments.
The winner of the NAIA doubles tournament bracket will advance to the “Super Bowl” Bracket consisting of the NAIA winners along with winners from NCAA Divisions II and III and the Junior College winner.
WESTMONT MEN WIN REGIONAL
In an all-Westmont final in the singles tournament of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) NAIA West Regional, Rodrigo Schaefer posted a 6-4, 6-3 win over teammate Tim Goranson. With the win, Schaefer qualifies to participate in the ITA NAIA National Small College Championship in Fort Meyers, Florida, October 10-13.
“Rodrigo and Tim were both playing very good tennis,” said Westmont head coach Mark Basham. “Rodrigo was very focused in the semifinals and finals. He is such a gifted player; it was good to see him lift his game to the level I know he can play at. “
Gorenson and Schaefer each earned a berth in the regional championship match by winning their semifinal match-ups earlier in the day. Goranson defeated Christian Wickehausen of Concordia 7-5, 6-3. Schaefer defeated Barnett in the semifinals, 6-0, 6-3.
In the afternoon, Schaefer and doubles partner Joshua Barnard won the doubles portion of the regional tournament by defeating Andrew Barnett and Ian Glessing of Arizona Christian 8-4. As a result, Barnard and Schaefer will be entered in the doubles bracket at the NAIA National Championship.
