Women's tennis team places fifth at national tournament

The Eastern Florida State College women's tennis team wrapped up another top five finish at the NJCAA Division I National Tournament on Wednesday.

The Titans finished fifth overall for the third time in six seasons as three singles players played in the semifinals on the final day.

Sophomore Elena Martinez Prado played a tight match with Tyler Junior College's Amelia Devlin in the semifinals at No. 2 singles as Prado lost the first set 6-2 but rebounded to win the second set 6-4 to tie the match. Devlin picked up the victory in the third set, winning 6-3 to head to the final. Devlin, the No. 1 seed, won the title in three sets.

Sophomore Maria Gento battled Cowley College's Cynthia Wanjala to three sets in the semifinal at No. 3 singles. After losing then first set 6-4, Gento tied the match with a 6-2 win. But Wanjala won the third set 6-1 to advance.

Sophomore Sara Valentina Ladino lost to No. 1 seed Younsoo Cho of Hillsborough Community College, 6-0, 6-1 at No. 5 singles. Cho went on to win the title in straight sets.

Hillsborough Community College won the national title for the second straight season, finishing with 52 points while Cowley College finished in second with 39, Tyler Junior College was third with 35 and St. Petersburg College was fourth with 33.5.