Stanton Upsets No. 12

MOBILE, Ala. – The Stanton University women's tennis team continued its historic inaugural season on Tuesday, securing a monumental victory in its first-ever appearance at the NAIA Women's Tennis National Championship. Competing at the Mobile Tennis Center, the Lady Elks defeated Louisiana Christian University 4-2, proving that they belong on the national stage.

This trip to Alabama marks a significant milestone for the program, coming just a month after the team shocked the conference by winning the GSAC Tournament in its very first year of competition.

Doubles Play: Setting the Tone

Stanton took control early by clinching the doubles point. The duo of Cheyenne Houkes and Paula Rodriguez Velayos dominated on Court 1, earning a swift 6-2 victory. Romy Pols and Emilse Ruiz followed suit on Court 2, securing a 6-3 win to give the Lady Elks the early lead. While Polina Buenina and Waraporn (Kimmy) Muangpho fell 1-6 on Court 3, the damage was already done, and Stanton headed into singles play with the momentum.

Singles Action: Gritty Performances

The battle in singles was a test of endurance, with several matches stretching into three sets. Cheyenne Houkes was the first to finish, providing a clinical performance on Court 5 with a straight-sets 6-1, 6-2 victory over Ana Sofia Ferrer Martinez.

Louisiana Christian, the tournament's 12th seed, attempted a comeback with wins on Courts 4 and 6. Polina Buenina fell 1-6, 1-6 to Akari Uchiyama, and Waraporn (Kimmy) Muangpho dropped a tight 6-7, 5-7 decision to Farren Allysia Sandy.

However, Stanton's top-flight talent rose to the occasion:

• Emilse Ruiz battled back after losing the first set to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-6 at #1 Singles.

• Romy Pols mirrored that resilience at #2 Singles, recovering from an early deficit to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-6.

• Paula Rodriguez Velayos showed incredible poise at #3 Singles, clinching her match 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 to help seal the overall team victory.