LAKELAND, FLA. - The Florida Southern College women's tennis team has reached new heights in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) NCAA Division II rankings, climbing to No. 6 in the nation; the highest ranking in program history.
The Moccasins rise two spots from No. 8 in the previous poll following a perfect 2-0 week, highlighted by a statement victory over then-No. 4 Nova Southeastern. The milestone marks the first time Florida Southern has ever been ranked as high as No. 6. The program's previous best came in 1991 when the Mocs were ranked No. 7, while the last time they reached as high as No. 8 prior to this season was in 2007.
Florida Southern's jump in the rankings comes after a thrilling 4-3 upset over the fourth-ranked Sharks on Friday, a match that came down to the final court in dramatic fashion.
The decisive point was secured at No. 3 singles, where No. 48 Emily Jennewein delivered one of the most memorable performances of the season. After dropping the first set 6-0 to No. 25 Chloe Henderson, Jennewein rallied to win the second set in a tiebreak, 7-6 (6), before grinding out a third-set tiebreak victory, 7-6 (8). Down 6-2 in the breaker, Jennewein fought off four match points and capitalized on her ninth opportunity to clinch the match, and the team victory, for the Mocs.
Florida Southern carried that momentum into Saturday, earning a decisive win over Palm Beach Atlantic to complete the undefeated weekend.
Individually, the Mocs also saw significant movement in the ITA rankings. Jennewein's heroics propelled her up 13 spots to No. 35 nationally in singles.
Josie Holderbach climbed one position to No. 22 in singles and helped power Florida Southern's doubles success alongside partner Kennedi Brown. The duo re-entered the national doubles rankings at No. 25 after key victories over Nova Southeastern, 7-6 (4), and Palm Beach Atlantic, 6-0.
Holderbach posted a 1-1 record in singles play on the week, earning a straight-set victory over Palm Beach Atlantic's Alina Hoermann, 6-4, 6-1, with her only loss coming against the nation's top-ranked player, Kristyna Hranacova.
With the historic ranking and momentum continuing to build, Florida Southern looks to carry its success deeper into the season as one of the top teams in NCAA Division II.
The Mocs return to action tomorrow, Thursday, April 2, with a match against Lincoln Memorial. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m.
