SUMTER, S.C. - After an exciting few days of tennis at the NJCAA DII Women's Tennis National Championship at Palmetto Tennis Center, Ángela Ortiz-Sánchez claimed the Flight 1 Consolation Draw Championship in an 8-6 victory for the Northwest Mississippi Community College women's tennis team.
"Today's matches capped off an incredible season," Head Coach Ryan Mounce said. "I'm proud of the way Ángela was able to cap off her year with a win against a quality opponent. That is a great way for her to finish her freshman year!"
In her first match of the day, Ortiz-Sánchez was able to quickly beat her semifinal opponent in a comprehensive 8-3 victory.
After going down 0-2 in the final match, Ortiz-Sánchez immediately won the next two games to even the score. At two games all, it became obvious that the match would be a battle. The lead changed multiple times, and both players had their serves broken, creating a match where every point mattered tremendously.
"At the beginning of the match I felt a little uncomfortable, but in the end, I was able to play my game and win the match," Ortiz-Sánchez said.
Lining the court's fence, Ortiz-Sánchez's teammates stood and cheered for every point. Offering words of encouragement when momentum was slipping and cheering when an exceptional shot was made, the support from the rest of the Northwest women's tennis team helped give Ortiz-Sánchez the extra push across the finish line.
Although the other Ranger's ended in a two-set loss, sophomore Meg Daves still put up a valiant effort.
After winning the first two games against an opponent from the MACCC and Region 23 Champions, Jones, Daves did not win another game the rest of the match. However, the score does not tell the whole story as Daves made countless games close but was just not able to see them through.
To stay up to date on the NWCC women's tennis team, follow the Ranger social media accounts or go to nwccrangers.com.
Main Draw Singles (May 5)
- Theresa Emelio (Jones) def. Meg Daves (NWCC) 6-3, 6-0
Consolation Draw Singles (May 5)
- Ángela Ortiz-Sánchez (NWCC) def. Sharon Calderon (Jacksonville) 8-3
- Ángela Ortiz-Sánchez (NWCC) def. Bryn Fitzmaurice (Hudson Valley) 8-6
