SAN ANGELO – PAO CARPIO rallied from a set down to provide the clinching point, leading No. 19 St. Edward's to a 4-3 victory over 15th-ranked Angelo State on Monday in the NCAA Division II South Central Region Championship.
The Hilltoppers (19-5) advanced to the Division II Round of 16 for second time in program history and first since 2009. The Round of 16 will be played Wednesday-Saturday, May 22-25 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Florida. The matchups and schedule will be released by the NCAA later this week.
St. Edward's lost to the Rambelles on Feb. 16, by a 4-3 score. The Hilltoppers returned the favor to keep their season alive.
SEU took an early advantage after clinching the doubles point.
BETH HAYWARD and
VALENTINA MARTINEZ bounced back to earn a 7-5 victory at the top spot, while
LAURA GALVAN and
ELISA GUILLEN clinched the point with a 7-6 (8-6) win at the third flight.
Angelo State quickly tied up the match with a win at No. 1 singles, but Guillen cruised at the sixth position (6-4, 6-0) to give the 'Toppers a 2-1 lead.
KATE MALAZONIA pushed the advantage to 3-1, as the freshman earned a 6-2, 6-4 triumph at the second spot. However, the Rambelles answered with wins at the Nos. 3 and 4 positions.
Carpio dropped her opening frame, 6-3, to Vriginie Becht. The senior from El Salvador rallied to even the matchup with a 6-2 win in set two. She then broke a 2-2 tie in the final set by winning four of the final five games to give St. Edward's the victory.
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