CHATTANOOGA, TENN. – On the last day of the individual championships for NCAA DIII women's tennis, Williams freshman
Erica Ekstrand defeated Christina Watson of Emory in straight sets 6-2, 6-3 to become the first Eph women to win the NCAA DIII Singles title.
Ekstrand on her way to the title not only beat Christina Watson, the Emory number two singles player, but also Emory's number one singles player Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico in straight sets in the semifinals. Emory won the 2021 team title.
Ekstrand who was given the nickname "Rocky" for her fierce competitiveness lived up to that nickname again today as she took control of the championship match from the start and never let Watson gain any traction.
Williams head coach
Anik Cepeda was with Ekstrand throughout all of her matches, and commented, "Erica's match today was sweet cap to an impressive freshman season. I'm proud of her focus, determination, and unwavering belief in herself. Behind every great win is an equally great team. This couldn't have happened today without the good vibes from Eph men's tennis, assistant coach
Felix Sun, our squad of doubles qualifiers (Zoë and Jenny), alumnae energy, and the whole crew back home that supported and cheered for Erica every step of the way. What a season! I can't wait to see what this young and hardworking squad comes up with next. Let's go Williams!"
