Lady Tiger tennis team reloads for another national title run

Placing third at last year's NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Mesa, AZ, the Cowley College women's tennis team has reloaded its squad with several new faces as they look to make another run at the program's first-ever national title.

Cowley will look to replace Ane Ibarra and Andrea Rodriguez, who captured the No. 3 doubles title a season ago.

Among the freshmen added to the roster are, Ntokozo Zungu, Lia Sarjveladze, Camila Neyra, Tshegofatso Tsiang, and Maria Sosa.

"We expect them to play near the top of the lineup," Cowley head coach Manuel Raga said.

Other freshmen on the team are, Kiley Hale and twin sisters Valentina and Virginia Jimenez.

"With so many new girls it will be interesting to see how we perform," Raga said.

All-American Saara Kunakunova who was the national runner-up at No. 4 singles, and fellow All-American Isid Hernandez who came on strong a season ago and solidified the top-spot in the Lady Tigers' singles lineup, are the only two returning players.

"We expect another great year out of those two," Raga said. "They will be leaders for our team."

Cowley has assembled a challenging schedule to help prepare the team for regionals and nationals.

"I know we are super talented, but we need to get some experience under our belt," Raga said. "I am excited to see how we develop and hope to make another deep run at nationals."