It’s an exciting time to be a player, coach, or fan of the Plymouth State women’s tennis team.
They dominated most of the teams in the Little East Conference (LEC) with an 8-3 record throughout the regular season, and took home the LEC Championship during the playoffs by defeating defending champion Rhode Island College 17-16. This marked the team’s second title in the last three years. Because of the win, they have an automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament, which will be happening May 4-6. This upcoming week, the Panthers will face off against an equally impressive University of New Hampshire team that is coming off a 7-4 regular season record.
“We’re thrilled to be representing Plymouth State and the Little East Conference at the NCAA championships,” said tennis coach Barbara Rawlsky-Willett. “We’re going to play some matches in April to get tuned up, and go and give it our best shot.
Senior co-captains Erica Huckins and Brittany Cambell will lead Plymouth. Huckins was tied with junior Joan Kietzman in having the most wins in singles competition with eleven, and won LEC singles title at #3. Keitzman also won an LEC singles title at #5, and she, along with sophomore Meghan Rodier had the most wins on the team in doubles competition. The duo also teamed up to win the #2 doubles title. Other players who will be competing in the tournament are first-years Amanda Arponen, Melissa Castellano, and Denise Huckins.
Unfortunately for the Panthers, one of their top players, junior Jill Deyermond, will not be able to compete in the tournament as she is studying abroad for the semester. “We’re not really sure what to expect at the NCAA’s,” said Rawlsky-Willet, “But I know our ladies are looking forward to it. It should be a great experience.”