WICHITA FALLS, Texas —
Mariana Rong and
Cristina Lopez, the region's top-ranked doubles tandem, are heading to nationals.
The duo beat St. Mary's teammates
Jamie Lee Denton/
Kaylin Kruseman 8-2 in Sunday's final round of the ITA Small College South Central Regional, securing a right to advance to the national Small College Championships from Oct. 9-12 in Sumter, S.C.
Lopez, the talented junior, also had a chance to qualify singles play, but was edged by No. 3-ranked Kayla Casey of Midwestern State 6-3, 7-6 in the finals. Lopez, ranked No. 4, advanced from the semifinals round, where opponent Natalie Gennissen of Dallas Baptist withdrew.
St. Mary's success this fall comes after a historic spring season, when the Rattlers advanced for the first time to the NCAA Sweet 16 after winning the South Central Region 2 championship.
