MARION, Ind. - Sofia Munoz won the women's singles title with a 6-3, 2-6, 10-7 super tiebreaker win over Grace College's Jimena Ramirez. Ramirez had defeated Munoz last year in the semi-finals. Sofia was the number one seed in the tournament and was able to win 6 singles matches over the last four days to capture the title. The semifinals and finals both went to third set super tiebreakers. Sofia will head to Rome, Ga in a few weeks to play in the ITA Nationals in singles.

In the afternoon, Munoz teamed up with France Antezana to win the double title 6-4. 6-4. Munoz and Antezana were able to defend their title by defeating Jimena Ramírez and Alejandra Sandoval, who they had previously lost to early in the season. Antezana keyed the victory today with a steadying influence and a powerful forehand. She hit the Grace pair multiple times with shots that were hit too hard to return. Munoz made several key service holds after having already played 18 sets in four days. The pair will have a strong chance of being seeded this year at ITA Nationals.

Coach Gleghorn, "What a week! The men's and women's team played a lot of incredible tennis!  I am really proud of the way we competed in the A and B draws and their were so many outstanding, gritty performances.  We are in a great position coming into the conference tournament.
 
It was great to be able to share today's championships with the previous two head coaches at IWU, Terry Porter and Eddy Shigley.  They set the standard for IWU women's tennis.
 
I am so excited for Sofia to finally get her ITA Singles championship!  She battled so hard this week and had to win two incredibly tough matches in the semis and finals to win the championship.  It was so special to have her whole family come down from Canada to surprise her for her run this week.  I haven't been able to coach many players as talented and caring as she is.  She is an incredible woman on and off the court and she represents Christ and IWU so well.
 
The doubles today with Sofia and France was a testament to their tennis skills, but importantly their resolve and ability to fight for every point.  They worked so hard and executed a perfect strategy today.  They were beaten 6-1 by the Grace pair a few weeks ago and turn around and win in straight sets with a new strategy was awesome.  Sofia is just so steady and confident in her strokes that it really frees up France to play her best.  France was on point all day.  She is an absolute terror on the double court when she hits out in front.  She hit the other team 6 times today with incredible forehands.  She can flat-out dominate the court when she wants to.  I am so grateful for both of these incredible student-athletes.  Sofia and France are truly special people!"


IWU plays next against the University of Saint Francis (Ind.) at home.

To view the complete doubles bracket, click HERE.




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