COLUMBUS, Ga. — Sunday wasn't the ending the No. 11 Flagler College women's tennis team wanted, but it isn't the end of the road.
Finishing runner-up at the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship to sixth-ranked Columbus State University, 4-0, Flagler looks ahead to its second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Saints, who have been seeded second in the southeast region, are in position to host for the first time ever and will find out their destiny during the NCAA Selection Show Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.
Luisa Hrda, the PBC Player of the Year, added to her trophy case as she was awarded the PBC Most Valuable Singles and Doubles Player. The standout junior won her eighth and ninth straight matches at the PBC Tournament to improve to 29-6 overall, 17-3 this spring and a perfect 8-0 versus PBC competition.
Flagler (16-9) represented the college in the championship match for the second straight year, and though came out on the losing end, had positive moments. The Saints were points away from clinching the doubles point. Eighth-ranked
Luisa Hrda and
Eden Schlagenhauf cruised to their sixth straight win to be awarded the PBC Doubles MVP, and after the third doubles fell, it left it up to
Anika Nissen and
Alessandra Traub.
The duo fought back from a deficit time and time again; however, unfortunately fell 7-5 to the duo of Neila Trklja and Agostina Bigotti. The Cougars took the momentum into singles play as they won on courts six and five before Mariana Ramirez clinched on court two.
Flagler was battling on the other three courts with Traub, Nissen and Hrda in their second sets and ahead but unfinished due to the clinch.
Be the first to know what's going on with the Saints -- Follow @FlaglerSports on Twitter, follow FlaglerSports on Instagram, become a fan of Flagler College Athletics on Facebook and subscribe to the Flagler College Athletics e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and to interact with Flagler Athletics.
