Kenny Hernandez

TUCSON, Ari. – Seward County Community College’s women’s tennis program claims third place at the 2022 NJCAA National Tournament in Tucson, Arizona. The third-place finish is the best finish for the women’s tennis program at Seward County. The Saints went into the final day with a two-point lead over 36-34 and needed one win to secure sole possession of the third place. Jimena Llorens Ramirez defeated Yeva Kramarova from TJC 7-5, 6-2 to win the No. 6 singles draw and secured third place for the Saints.

Justine Lespes fell to Lauren Anzalotta from TJC 2-6, 2-6 in the No. 1 singles final. Lespes received second-team All-American honors for her tournament performance.

Jimena Llorens Ramirez defeated Yeva Kramarova from TJC 7-5, 6-2 to win the No. 6 singles draw. This was the first time the Saints had a women’s player win their respected draw and did so in a dominant set two victories. Ramirez was named to the first-team All-American honors for her victory in the No. 6 singles draw.

Ramirez and Alejandra Sandoval fell to Andresen & Habekovic from Hillsborough 1-6, 6-7 (4-7) in the No. 3 doubles draw final. The team fell behind with a 1-6 loss but fought to the end in the second set. Sandoval and Ramirez were named to the second-team All-American honors with their performance in the No. 3 doubles draw.

The team returned on Thursday, May 12th, and was greeted with an ice cream social celebration as faculty and staff of Seward County congratulated the team on their success.

The Saints finish the season with KJCCC regular-season title, a 2022 Region VI title, and a third-place finish at Nationals. An outstanding year for the Saints and coaches Mitch Vecchione, and Jacob Delao.