Lady Saints Wrap Best Season In School History with 7th Place Finish at Nationals
The Seward County Lady Saints National Tournament run came to an end on Wednesday in Tyler, Texas, but it didn't do so before some history was made. With 26 points, the Lady Saints are locked into a 7th place tie with the rival Cowley Tigers, marking the programs best finish at the NJCAA National Tournament in school history.
The Lady Saints had just two matches to play on Wednesday at the NJCAA National Tournament as Tadi Mrewa represented Seward in the #6 singles semis and Mrewa along with partner Madison Hoelting donned the green and white in the #3 doubles round of four.
In singles action, Mrewa, the 4th seed in the draw, took on top seeded Mikala Lowrance of ASA in the semis. Mrewa hung tough with the tournament favorite, but in the end, the Silver Storm star was too much, downing her 6-2, 6-3 to end her tournament run with a 3rd place finish during her freshman campaign.
In Seward's lone remaining doubles match, the Lady Saints duo of Mrewa/Hoelting were again stuck with the tough task of taking on top seeded ASA in the Storm's combo of Pratt/Roller. Looking for the upset, Mrewa/Hoelting almost accomplished the task in the first set, but a break late did them in as ASA took the first 6-4. In the second, the Silver Storm continued to build, holding off any thoughts of a Seward comeback with a 6-2 win to hand Mrewa and Hoelting a 3rd place finish at the tournament.
Seward finishes the tournament with 26 points, good for a 7th place tie with the Cowley Tigers. With no points left to gain for either side and no chance of the 9th place team to catch the two, the Lady Saints have effectively wrapped up their best finish in NJCAA National Tournament history.
There has been no surprises at the top with ASA Miami leading the way with 44 points, Tyler right behind them at 43 and then a large drop off to 3rd place where Mesa sits with 32.