Cyclones women’s tennis headed to nationals for sixth time

They’re going to Texas again. The Moraine Valley Community College women’s tennis team clinched a berth to the national tournament in May after finishing second at the NJCAA Region IV championships on their home courts over two days of action, Oct. 11-12. This is the team’s sixth time qualifying for nationals.

They set the tone early. Every Cyclone worked hard for two days with eight out of nine positions winning first-round matches. Only the first doubles team was knocked out in the first round after a tough, long three-set match. In the end, two Cyclones finished first, earning a nod to the All-Region team. At fourth singles, Claudia Maka (Oak Lawn) earned a come-from-behind third set fight against a player she lost to during the season, and Main alum Tricia Poremba (sixth singles), a fierce player all year, continued her unbeaten streak with another victory.

Second place medals went to Andrew product Alexa Armon (third singles), who made her opponent work for every point, and Andrew alum Lindsey Walker (fifth singles), who played her best tennis of the season, losing a close 6-4, 6-4 match. Second doubles—Maka and Kelley Grzych (Reavis)—and third doubles—Walker and Poremba— came through with third place victories. Eisenhower product Liz Dominguez (first singles) and Grzych (second singles) finished fourth after some tough battles.

“I cannot be more proud of each and every one of my girls throughout this season. From day one they worked their butts off, and I was not easy on them. To be able to go back to the national tournament—this time as a coach—absolutely means the world to me,” said first year head coach Nicole Selvaggio. “This was a team effort. Seeing it all come together when it counted, well, words cannot describe how amazing that felt, not only for me but also for all of us. I know what to expect at the national level. It's not going to be easy competition. However, we are resilient and excited for our chance to be a part of and play against the nation's best.”

During the year, Armon and Poremba also earned nods to the All-Conference team for helping their squad secure a 7-1 overall and 4-1 conference record. The Cyclones were nearly perfect until the last match of the season.

The Cyclones have until May before they compete at nationals in Tyler, Texas.