ELLISVILLE — The fourth-seeded Northwest Mississippi Community College women’s tennis team edged fifth-seeded Hinds Community College 5-2 Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Region 23 Tournament at Bobcat Tennis Courts.
Northwest’s team, with an 8-7 record, secured a spot in Friday’s semifinals against the host Bobcats, who are the top seed with a 14-0 record. Head coach Ryan Mounce expressed pride in his team’s performance, noting the importance of playing well against a talented Hinds squad.
The Rangers started slowly, winning only one doubles match on the third court with Ava McCain and Brooke Kicker. However, they gained momentum in singles, winning every completed match and not dropping a set in their four victories. McCain and Kicker each lost no more than two games in their singles matches. Sophomore Laura Cámara Blanco won her match in two close sets, each decided by one break of serve. Sophomore Claudia Lopez Chaparro clinched the victory for Northwest in a tight second set, raising her level to seal the win.
Coach Mounce praised Chaparro’s effort, stating, “When we needed her to perform she raised her level and got the job done.” Northwest will face Jones College on Friday at 10 a.m. for a place in the Region 23 final. If victorious, they will play Saturday at 10 a.m. for the championship. A loss would pit the team in the third-place match at 2 p.m. both games scheduled at the Bobcat Tennis Courts in Ellisville.
Northwest’s doubles results included an 8-3 loss for Claudia Lopez Chaparro and Laura Cámara Blanco, an 8-6 defeat for Jaqueline Vargas and Macie Curtis, and an 8-0 win for Brooke Kicker and Ava McCain. In singles, Lopez Chaparro defeated Rodia Noudogbessi 6-2, 6-4; Cámara Blanco beat Jaqueline Vargas 6-4, 6-4; Kicker swept Landry Parks 6-1, 6-1; and McCain defeated Laryn Green 6-1, 6-1.
The team will look to continue its postseason run Friday against Jones College, aiming for a spot in the Region 23 championship match. Updates can be found on the NWCC women’s tennis social media accounts or at nwccrangers.com.
