The IUP women’s tennis team, seeded 15th, is preparing to compete against second-seeded Nova Southeastern in the initial round of the 2024 NCAA Division II Women’s Tennis Championship. The championship is scheduled to take place at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
The first round match for IUP is set for Monday, May 20 at 1 p.m. and is highly anticipated. With an impressive 12-match winning streak, IUP, ranked No. 49 in the ITA DII poll, is eager to demonstrate their capabilities. Meanwhile, Nova Southeastern, with an outstanding overall record of 23-4 and a second-place national ranking, poses as a formidable opponent.
The expected lineup features Ming Deewajee, Katy Graydon, Dani Ramos, Lydia Vlachou, Veronica Sirci, and Hannah Beitat. In doubles, the pairs to watch out for are Deewajee/Ramos, Graydon/Vlachou, and Beitat/Sirci. With such a skilled lineup, the IUP women’s team is poised to take on the challenge and demonstrate their skills on the court.
It is noteworthy that this marks IUP’s 16th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Having been selected as a host site for the Atlantic Regional in 2024, the team secured victory against Shaw and Slippery Rock, propelling them to the NCAA Round of 16. With an all-time NCAA tournament record of 25-15, the Hawks have showcased their prowess in regional play, but have yet to secure a win at the NCAA’s final site.
In the broader context of the NCAA Championship, the 16 advancing teams, including IUP at the No. 15 seed, indicate a fierce competition ahead. The road to the championship is undoubtedly challenging, with last season’s loss to Wayne State still fresh in the team’s memory. Nonetheless, IUP is prepared to face the uncertainty and give it their all in this year’s tournament.
Recognizing individual achievements, head coach Andy McGlashen was recently honored with the PSAC West Coach of the Year title. Furthermore, several team members received notable accolades, including selections for the All-PSAC First Team and Second Team honors for their outstanding performances.
As the championship approaches, the team is eager and excited to leave a mark at the NCAA Round of 16. For further updates and insights, fans can stay informed by visiting IUPathletics.com and following IUP women’s tennis on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPtennis. It promises to be an exhilarating journey for the IUP women’s tennis team as they return to Florida for the NCAA Round of 16.