Mariga Nets Saints First Ever NJCAA All-American Award
Following the deepest run at the NJCAA National Tournament in program history, Seward County Freshman Tare Mariga has been named the first NJCAA All-American in Saints Tennis program history.
Mariga was unstoppable for the Saints this season at #5 singles, racking up a 14-2 record on the Spring. His .875 winning percentage was best on the team in singles action. In doubles he was equally as effective, going 13-4 with partner Paul Arslanian, which was also a team best. Mariga made a historic run at the NJCAA National Tournament in the #5 bracket for Seward. After a first round bye, he cruised to three straight sets wins in a row to become the first player in program history to play for an NJCAA National Championship. Mariga battled top seeded Shaquille Taylor of ASA tooth and nail, but in the end came up just short in a three set defeat. Despite the loss, Mariga's 2nd place finish was not only good enough for the best mark in school history, but also good enough to become Seward's first ever NJCAA All-American with his 2nd Team honors.