Wallace State Finishes Runner-Up at NJCAA Division II National Championship

SUMTER, S.C. — Wallace State's women's tennis team concluded its season Wednesday with a runner-up finish at the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

The Lady Lions finished second in the final team standings with 39 points, trailing only national champion Jones College with 48 points. Mississippi Gulf Coast and Copiah-Lincoln tied for third with 31 points.

Elizabeth Standifer captured the Flight 5 Singles Championship, defeating No. 2 Hannah Stenger 6-2, 6-1 in the title match.

Jaedyn Martin added a consolation victory for Wallace State, winning the Flight 2 Consolation Final with an 8-2 victory over Daisi Kukuljan.

Lydia Lichlyter finished runner-up in the Flight 4 Singles Championship match, falling to No. 1 Theresa Emelio 6-2, 6-1.

Wallace State also had two doubles teams compete in championship matches. The Flight 2 doubles team of Lydia Lichlyter and Jaedyn Martin fell to the top-seeded duo of Maria Martinez and Camila Piquin 6-1, 6-2 in the finals.

In Flight 3 doubles, Jayden Johnson and Elizabeth Standifer dropped a three-set match to Katlin Porcello and Josie Tullos 6-2, 3-6, 7-5.

Head coach Tim Garner praised the team's perseverance throughout the season.

"This is the toughest and most resilient team I've ever coached," Garner said. "Led by sophomores, Indira Wilson, Lydia Lichlyter, Jaedyn Martin. Each player battled through different injuries throughout the season and we capped off the best finish since 1999."

Garner also credited the commitment shown by the team and coaching staff throughout the year.

"I'm so thankful for all the extra hours spent on and off court to make this season such a success," Garner said.

"Thank you to Ian Wisener (assistant coach). Ian spent countless hours outside of his contracted time to make this season a success!"

"I also would like to thank our President,  Dr. Vicki Karolewics, and her administration for their tremendous support this season."