Top-seeded Women's Tennis win 2012 OAC Tournament with 5-2 win over JCU

By: Monique Bowman

MASON - Senior Kristen Timperman's win at No. 6 singles solidified the Ohio Northern women's tennis team as 2012 OAC Tournament champions with a 5-2 win over John Carroll.

The OAC Tournament finals, held Saturday at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, pit the top-seeded Polar Bears against second-seeded Blue Streaks.

Ohio Northern, also the Regular Season champion for the second consecutive season, improve to 22-4 overall and earn the Ohio Athletic Conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The Blue Streaks, who were riding a nine-match winning streak heading into the finals, finish the season 14-4 overall.

Freshmen Brittany Miller and Kristin Cellentani started the day with an 8-1 win at No. 2 doubles, followed by an 8-3 win at No. 3 doubles by sophomores Lauren Rife and Carly Olmstead.

No. 1 doubles was a back-and-forth battle, won by ONU junior Christie Gales and sophomore Michelle Tuma, 9-7.

John Carroll continued to play hard, picking up wins No. 1 singles (6-1, 6-3) and No. 3 singles (6-2, 6-3) by Maria Ciccolini and Joanne Weber, respectively.

Cellentani earned ONU's fourth win at No. 4 singles, 6-2, 6-3 and Timperman's win at No. 6 singles, 6-0, 6-4 solidified the team's tournament win.

"This win was a tribute to the hard work on and off the court by this team, as well as the support from family, friends and supporters of our program," head coach Scott Wills said. "John Carroll was a formidable opponent and deserves credit improving the sport within this league by the way they play."

The field for the NCAA Division III Women's Tennis Tournament will be announced Monday, May 7 at NCAA.com. Information will be posted at www.ONUsports.com as it is made available.