ITA REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

Phoenix, AZ — The Stanton women's tennis team returned from Arizona with history made and a ticket punched to the national stage. Over the weekend, Paula Rodriguez and Romy Pols captured Stanton's first-ever ITA Regional Championship in women's doubles, earning an automatic berth to the NAIA National Championships in Rome, Georgia.

The Elks traveled to Phoenix last Wednesday to compete in the prestigious ITA Regionals, a tournament where success guarantees a spot on the national stage. Veterans and newcomers alike represented Stanton, but the Arizona desert brought its own challenges. Heavy rain, hail, and thunder forced play to be suspended just as four Stanton athletes reached the semifinals.

Once play resumed, the Elks faced stiff competition against established programs like Hope International and Arizona Christian. While Stanton's singles hopes ended in tough battles, Rodriguez and Pols carried the momentum in doubles, fighting their way to the final and sealing the title in decisive fashion.

The victory not only marks Stanton's first ITA crown but also secures their inaugural appearance at the NAIA level, just months after the university was voted into the association.

Rodriguez and Pols now prepare for Rome, Georgia, where they'll test their game against the best doubles teams in the nation.