MCC Tennis Qualifies For NJCAA National Tournament

From School Reports

The Meridian Community College tennis squads recently competed at the 2015 MACJC State/Regional Tournament in Tupelo, MS and came away with solid results. The Meridian Community College women came away with a third place finish in the field with a total team score of 20 which was good enough for a third place finish among the 10 teams that competed in the field. The third place finish has also qualified the Lady Eagles to advance to the NJCAA National Tournament that will be held May 3-7 in Tucson, AZ.

Jennifer Smith was the highlight individually for the Lady Eagles in the tournament by winning the no. 3 singles bracket. Smith was named the Region 23 and All-State winner with a 7-6, (7-2), 7-6 (7-4) victory over Claire Rounsaville of Jones County Junior College.  The doubles' teams of Caroline Terry/Paige Gibson were the runner up at the number one doubles line.  They won a tough three-setter against Itawamba Community College.  Jennifer Smith/Alden Hartley lost in two sets to East Central Community College at number two doubles to earn the runner - up in the tournament.  "This match was the 17th set of the tournament for Smith in three days.  She played with an Achilles strain, which is probably going to knock her out at nationals.  She played the best tennis of her JUCO career this weekend," stated MCC coach Wanda McPhail.

The Meridian Community College men also found success at the tournament by having two of its players advance to the National Tournament. Shane Trebisky qualified at the number one singles position after capturing the tournament title. Trebisky was of course named All-Region and All-State with his 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory over Skyler Flowers of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

" This was the match of the tournament.  Players and parents from almost every team was there to cheer for Shane.  He has become a crowd favorite.  He is so much fun to watch,"  according to Coach McPhail. The duo of Trebisky and Chris Mallette will also qualify for the National Tournament as well for the Eagles after reaching the finals of the men’s doubles championship round. Mallette has also qualified to play at the national tournament for MCC as well at the no. 2 singles positon. The NJCAA National Tournament that will be held May 11-15 in Plano, TX. Meridian's men's team fell short of qualifying as a team earning 14 points; Jones finished with 20 to take the third place spot.  

Trebisky also finished the 2015 season for the Eagles with an undefeated conference record and a total record of 14-3 for the season.