LATHAM, N.Y. – In an impressive display of skill and determination, Cleopatra Solomon, a freshman at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, has been named the United East Conference Women’s Tennis Player of the Week. The conference office announced this accolade on Tuesday morning, highlighting Solomon’s significant contributions to her team’s performance at the PTR Spring Tennis Fest held in Hilton Head, S.C.
Throughout the fest, Solomon showcased her talent and perseverance, achieving a notable 3-1 record. Her journey was marked by a series of challenging matches, where she demonstrated both skill and resilience. In a notable encounter against Tansy Graves, Solomon secured a hard-earned victory with scores of 5-7, 6-1, 1-0 (7) at No. 1 singles. This victory came after she, alongside her doubles partner Amber Manspeaker, achieved an 8-4 win over Mac Graves and Makayla Johnson in the No. 1 doubles, despite the team’s 7-2 loss to Cornell College on March 11.
However, the challenges did not stop there. Solomon and Manspeaker faced a setback on March 13 with an 8-1 loss at No. 1 doubles against Maryville College. Undeterred, Solomon bounced back magnificently, clinching a decisive 6-1, 6-0 victory over Elizabeth Shwaiko at No. 1 singles. Her triumph marked the team’s lone point in an 8-1 loss to Maryville, showcasing her ability to rise above adversity.
The St. Mary’s College women’s tennis team, currently holding a 1-3 record, looks forward to its next challenge. The team is set to face Marymount (Va.) University, which has a 3-2 record, in their home-opening match. The encounter is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, at 3:30 pm at the Somerset Tennis Courts. Solomon’s recent accolade and performance are a beacon of hope and inspiration for her team as they prepare for upcoming competitions.
