After almost 18 hours of weather delays, the Albany State University Lady Rams' dreams of winning in the opening round of tlhe NCAA Division II South Region Women's Tennis Tournament were washed away with the rain. The Lady Rams lost 0-5 to the Florida Tech Friday morning at Lynn University's Perper Tennis Complex in Boca Raton, Fla. The Panthers advanced to face Lynn in a morning match.
The Panthers closed the match with a pair of 6-0 decisions in singes. Monica Price finished first in the fifth position over Brittany White, while Natalia Ramos sealed the victory in the top spot against Dominique Lambert. Unfinished matches included Andrea Madrigal, who lead Carolina Ribiero, 6-1 and 1-0, in the second flight; Katarina Huba up 6-1 and 2-0 over Kristina Jackson in the third spot; Abigail Grief nearing completion against Reanah Kellogg, 6-0 and 5-0, in the fourth position; and Stephanie Dohner leading Crystal LeGrand, 6-1 and 1-0, in the number six slot.
Before the inclement weather started on Thursday afternoon, the Panthers had a 3-0 lead after doubles match and had started singles play.
Sweeping both of the top flights of the draw on Thursday, Ramos and Greif beat ASU's Jackson and Kellogg, 8-0, in the first position. Huba and Keister beat White and Ribeiro, 8-0, in the second spot. Madrigal and Price topped Lady Rams Lambert and LeGrand, 8-1, in the third slot to complete the doubles shutout.
ASU head coach Khadijah Ali said although the Lady Rams lost, she is proud of her team.
"The level of competition at the regional tournament is intense and we knew we would have tough competition. My girls gave it their all," Ali said. "Despite losing, we were honored to have played at this level and represent Albany State and the SIAC in tournament play. We'll be back next year."
Florida Southern University and Valdosta State University are also slated to play today. The winner will face the Florida Tech vs. Lynn match winner in the tournament finals. Winners of the regional tournaments will advance to the finals, hosted by the Central Florida Sports Commission and Rollins College, on May 12-15 in Altamonte Springs, Fla.
To continue following the tournament, visit http://www1.lynn.edu/index.php?src=gendocs
&link=NCAATennis-Home.