Castleton Captures Third-Straight NEAC Women's Tennis Crown
LATHAM, N.Y. - The Castleton State College women's tennis team defeated Penn State-Berks 6-3 to capture their third consecutive North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Championship, and a berth in the upcoming NCAA Division III National Tournament.
Castleton ups its record to 14-4 this season, tying the program's high-water mark for victories set in 2009. Penn State-Berks ends its season at 10-6.
Castleton took a 2-1 advantage after doubles. Number-one doubles tandem Michelle Podnecky and Kate Bucci downed Crystal Hiltz and Arion Harris 8-3, while Chelsea Crehan and Brittni Racine earned an 8-5 win over Elizabeth Kehm and Amanda Fuller at number-two. The Spartans No. 3 doubles team of Olga McIntyre and Felicia West narrowly missed a clean sweep, losing 9-7 to Kristina Hatter and Samantha Warga.
Podnecky, Bucci and Racine each won in first-through-third singles, effectively putting the match away. Bucci went three sets with Harris, winning 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 while Podnecky and Racine each won in straight sets.
Fuller and Warga each sandwiched singles wins around Crehan's 6-1, 6-0 win at number-five over Hatter.
The Spartans will learn their first-round opponent on Monday, May 7 when pairings are announced.
| Singles competition |
| 1. Michelle Podnecky (CST) def. Crystal Hitz (PSBW1112) 6-4, 6-3 |
| 2. Kate Bucci (CST) def. Arion Harris (PSBW1112) 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 |
| 3. Brittni Racine (CST) def. Elizabeth Kehm (PSBW1112) 7-5, 6-4 |
| 4. Amanda Fuller (PSBW1112) def. Olga McIntyre (CST) 6-4, 6-1 |
| 5. Chelsea Crehan (CST) def. Kristina Hatter (PSBW1112) 6-1, 6-0 |
| 6. Samantha Warga (PSBW1112) def. Felicia West (CST) 6-0, 6-3 |
| Doubles competition |
| 1. Michelle Podnecky/Kate Bucci (CST) def. Crystal Hitz/Arion Harris (PSBW1112) 8-3 |
| 2. Brittni Racine/Chelsea Crehan (CST) def. Elizabeth Kehm/Amanda Fuller (PSBW1112) 8-5 |
| 3. Kristina Hatter/Samantha Warga (PSBW1112) def. Olga McIntyre/Lauren Fedorka (CST) 9-7 |