Women's tennis team back in national tournament

The Eastern Florida State College women's tennis team has qualified for the NJCAA Division I National Tournament.

The Titans, who are ranked fifth in the latest ITA Junior College women's tennis national poll, finished third in the FCSAA Women's Tennis Championship and will be making their third straight trip to the national tournament.

"I am excited, we were not sure we would get to go again so we are excited and just want to have fun and play well," Elena Martinez Prado said.

The national tournament will be in Tyler, Texas beginning May 3.

Maria Gento is back at the national tournament after finishing in the semifinals at No. 4 singles. This season Gento will be playing at No. 3 singles. The sophomore lost in the final at the FCSAA Division I Women's Tennis Championship in Tampa.

"I am happy we are back at nationals. Our expectations are to finish in the top four or five and we are just really excited to play together," Gento said.

Gento and Thais Mitlmeier also made it to the semifinals at No. 2 doubles.

The duo of Sara Ladino and Elena Martinez Prado reached the semifinals at No. 3 doubles last season and all four players are back in the national tournament.

Ladino reached the quarterfinals of the national tournament last season.

The Titans finished fifth overall last season at the national tournament and have finished in the top 10 in each of their four appearances.