Bulldog Women’s Tennis Battles No. 2 Pomona-Pitzer in NCAA Championship Round of 16

Photo Credits: Kyla McGuire
Photo Credits: Kyla McGuire

RICHARDSON, TX – The University of Redlands Women's Tennis team saw their outstanding 2022 season come to an end Sunday in the Round of 16 at the NCAA Division III National Championships falling 5-1 to No. 2 Pomona-Pitzer.

The Maroon and Grey kept the match close early picking up a point in doubles, which came at No. 3 from the freshmen duo of Christine O'Brien (Leawood, KS) and Kiana Brady (Hermosa Beach, CA) who won 8-5 to make it a 2-1 score.  They went 2-0 together on the weekend and finish the year with an 11-4 record.  

Gabby Rockwood (Park City, UT) and Kendall Bolock (Yucaipa, CA) had their opportunities at the top spot and nearly gave UR an advantage heading into singles, but were broken late falling 8-6.

In singles the Sagehens needed three matches to clinch and they earned them at No. 2 as Brady would fall 6-1, 6-1, at No. 4 Mia Fitzgerald (Kilauea, HI) (6-2, 6-0) and at No. 5 Lexi Lehman (Scottsdale, AZ) (6-1, 6-2). 

The other matches that were still on court when the contest was called due to decision included Liv Rockwood (Park City, UT) at No. 1 who was down 6-1, 2-1, Bolock at No. 3 who was down 6-3, 2-1 and G. Rockwood at No. 6 who was down 6-4, 2-1.       

Redlands finishes the year 11-8, 5-2 SCIAC was third in the final Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Standings and saw Liv Rockwood and Kendall Bolock named All-SCIAC.

Coach's Thoughts

"What a year for this program and I couldn't be more proud for each and every player on this team.  They have put together a remarkable season and were bought in from Day 1 and it showed.  This team came together and proved why they are one of the best in the country and why they belonged at the NCAA Division III Championships.  They never gave up this weekend and they kept their heads up despite the loss today.  I know the team is looking forward to playing tournaments this summer and preparing for what will be an exciting 2022-23 season.  Go Dawgs!"