CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (April 26, 2025) - The 2025 Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) Women’s Tennis Championship unfolded with six teams vying for postseason glory, but it was the Asbury Eagles who rose above the competition. In just their first year in the league, the Eagles swept their way to a historic first conference tournament title—and an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III National Tournament.
Asbury’s Perfect Postseason Run Secures First-Ever CCS Title
Seeded second, Asbury came to Chattanooga with one goal: to make history—and they did just that. The Eagles began their title run with a commanding 4-0 semifinal win over No. 3 seed Huntingdon. Their doubles tandem of Ariadna Zegarra and Martina Paillet secured a crucial early win, while the singles lineup followed suit with straight-set victories, led by sophomore Malory Watkins and freshman Yukina Kawata.
On championship Saturday, Asbury delivered a stunning 4-0 sweep of previously unbeaten and top-seeded Piedmont. Zegarra, the CCS Player of the Year, and Paillet clinched the doubles point with a gritty 7-5 win at the top flight, while Kawata and Megan Moore added a 6-3 win at No. 3 doubles. In singles, Zegarra (No. 2), Kawata (No. 5), and Watkins (No. 6) each secured victories to clinch the championship without dropping a match in the tournament.
Piedmont’s Title Streak Snapped but Record-Breaking Season Intact
The top-seeded Lions entered the tournament riding a dominant regular season and seeking their third straight CCS title. Piedmont breezed past No. 4 seed Maryville in the semifinals, continuing a streak of flawless performances against conference foes. Though the Scots tested them early in doubles, the Lions eventually closed out the point and swept singles play for a 4-0 result.
However, in the final, Piedmont ran into a red-hot Asbury squad. Despite strong efforts and several tight matchups, the Lions were unable to capture the doubles point and could not mount a comeback in singles. The 4-0 defeat marked their first loss to a conference opponent since 2021, but their season still closed with a historic 21 wins—the best record in program history.
Maryville’s Semifinal Exit Caps Strong 10-Win Campaign
Maryville proved a tough out in the tournament, advancing to the semifinals after a strong 4-0 win over Covenant in the quarterfinals. In that match, the Scots dominated doubles and earned three straight-set singles victories to move on.
Facing top-seeded Piedmont in the semifinals, Maryville put up a spirited fight. Elizabeth Shwaiko and Calliana Kondolios were leading at No. 1 doubles when the match was halted, and Jasmine Muecke was locked in a tight singles battle. Despite the 4-0 scoreline, the Scots pushed the Lions throughout. Their tournament run concluded in the semis, capping a solid 10-6 campaign.
Huntingdon’s Quarterfinal Win Followed by Exit Against Champs
The Hawks opened the tournament as the No. 3 seed and quickly showed why, dispatching Agnes Scott 4-0 in the quarterfinals behind strong doubles play and a sweep through the singles courts. The win set up a semifinal clash with Asbury.
In their second-round match, Huntingdon found themselves overmatched by the eventual champions. The Eagles overpowered the Hawks 4-0, ending Huntingdon’s postseason hopes and finalizing their year with a strong 9-7 record.
Covenant and Agnes Scott’s Season Ends in Quarterfinals
Covenant entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed but was unable to find traction in their quarterfinal matchup with Maryville. Despite some early promise at the doubles level, the Scots fell 4-0 for the second time this season to their in-state rivals, concluding their CCS campaign earlier than hoped.
The Scotties rounded out the tournament field as the No. 6 seed and were matched with Huntingdon in the opening round. Though they battled hard, the Hawks proved too strong, ending Agnes Scott’s season with a 4-0 defeat in the quarterfinals.
All-Tournament Team
Ariadna Zegarra, Asbury (MVP)
Katherine Nova, Asbury
Kourtney Kawata, Asbury
Alyssa McSpadden, Piedmont
Caroline Morrison, Piedmont
Jasmine Muecke, Maryville
Lilly Brown, Huntingdon
"I'm really proud of all the girls today! Winning the doubles point was key for us in this match. After losing to Piedmont during the regular season, we were underdogs today and yet we still pulled it off!"
Kourtney Kawata | Senior | Media Communications | Louisville, Ky.
Asbury secured the doubles point to start the match behind a victory in the No. 1 match from CCS Player of the Year, Ariadna Zegarra, and senior Martina Paillet, and also Kawata alongside senior teammate, Megan Moore. Zegarra and Paillet took a 7-5 win while Kawata and Moore earned a 6-3 advantage.
Zegarra, Kawata, and sophomore Malory Watkins were the Eagles that took the three singles wins to take the championship. Zegarra won 6-3, 6-0 in the No. 2, Kawata 6-1, 6-2 in No. 5, and Watkins 6-3, 7-5 in No. 6.
With their championship victory, Asbury women's tennis team secures an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship and awaits Monday, May 5 announcement of their opponent, stay up to date on where they go and who they play,
here.
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