by Cory Guinn
SUMTER, S.C. – The Barton women's team's march through the Conference Carolinas Tournament ended on Sunday morning with a 5-2 loss to rival University of Mount Olive at the Palmetto Tennis Center.
Barton, the No. 6 overall seed, advanced to the tournament final for the first time in at least 10 years but lost to the No. 5 seed Trojans for the second time this season.
Mount Olive held a 2-1 advantage after doubles play as Barton's No. 3 tandem of seniors Lorraine Chon-Qui and Dana Kelly were 8-3 winners to give their team a point.
Kelly was able to pick up another point for BC with a 6-3, 6-4 win in the No. 5 singles position, but UMO collected three points with wins at No. 1, No. 4 and No. 6 to claim its first ever championship. Kelly earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team along with freshman teammate Marissa Stevenson.
The Lady Bulldogs finish the season at 12-11 overall, a nine-win improvement from a year ago, and held a 6-5 regular season record against conference competition.
Mount Olive 5, Barton 2
Singles:
1. Stella Di Michelle (UMO-W) def. Daria Avram (BARTON) 6-2, 6-0
2. J Gonzalez-Rodriguez (UMO-W) vs. Marissa Stevenson (BARTON) 6-3, 1-6, 1-3, unfinished
3. Alejandra Hernandez (UMO-W) vs. Vanessa Sanoja (BARTON) 2-6, 6-3, 0-4, unfinished
4. Areej Fareh (UMO-W) def. Lorraine Chon-Qui (BARTON) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
5. Dana Kelly (BARTON) def. Nicole La Chappelle (UMO-W) 6-3, 6-4
6. Mariana Gamboa (UMO-W) def. Elle Vietz (BARTON) 6-1, 6-0
Doubles:
1. Stella Di Michelle/J Gonzalez-Rodriguez (UMO-W) def. Daria Avram/Marissa Stevenson (BARTON) 8-3
2. Alejandra Hernandez/Areej Fareh (UMO-W) def. Vanessa Sanoja/Elle Vietz (BARTON) 8-3
3. Dana Kelly/Lorraine Chon-Qui (BARTON) def. Nicole La Chappelle/Mariana Gamboa (UMO-W) 8-3
Records:
Barton College 12-11
University of Mount Olive 12-7
