MEDIA, Pa. — The St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s tennis team closed their regular season with a decisive 7-0 victory over Penn State Brandywine on Saturday, April 19, in their final United East Conference (UEC) match. The Seahawks, now 8-0, swept doubles and singles play against the Lions, finishing the conference season undefeated and heading into the UEC Championship Tournament with strong momentum.
The Seahawks dominated doubles competition at Brandywine’s tennis courts. Cleo Solomon from Waldorf, Maryland, and Amber Manspeaker from Finksburg, Maryland, won the No. 1 doubles match 6-4. Sarah Levit from Rockville, Maryland, and Giselle Harris from Easton, Maryland, shut out their opponents 6-0 in the No. 2 doubles, while Lauren Lovejoy from Newburg, Maryland, and Stella Manns from White Hall, Maryland, secured a 6-0 win in the No. 3 spot, completing the doubles sweep.
Singles play continued the rout. Solomon took the No. 1 singles match 6-2, 6-2. Manspeaker dominated the No. 2 position with a 6-0, 6-0 victory. Levit won the No. 3 match 6-0, 6-1, and Harris claimed the No. 4 matchup 6-2, 6-1. Lovejoy prevailed in the No. 5 singles 6-0, 6-2, while Zoe Wilson from Clarksburg, Maryland, sealed the sweep in the No. 6 position with a 6-0, 6-0 win.
The triumph marks a historic achievement for St. Mary’s, a Division III program in St. Mary’s City, Maryland, known for its competitive tennis program, as highlighted on the team’s athletics website. The Seahawks’ perfect 8-0 record positions them as favorites for the UEC Championship Tournament, starting April 22 at a yet-to-be-announced location. The UEC, established in 2021, promotes competition among small colleges, fostering athletic and academic excellence.
Penn State Brandywine, based in Media, Pennsylvania, struggled against St. Mary’s depth, with the Lions facing a challenging season, as detailed in their athletics news. The Seahawks’ balanced roster, with six Maryland natives contributing wins, showcased their preparation and teamwork, particularly from Southern Maryland players Solomon (Waldorf) and Lovejoy (Newburg). The team’s success has drawn attention in local sports coverage, including the Southern Maryland Chronicle’s sports section.
With the postseason looming, St. Mary’s undefeated record sets a high standard. The UEC Championship will challenge their ability to sustain this dominance, with potential NCAA Division III postseason opportunities on the horizon. The Seahawks’ performance reflects their growing prominence in Maryland’s collegiate sports landscape.
