May 8, 2008 - For the fourth straight year, the Emporia State women's tennis team has won their first round match of the NCAA Sub-Regional Tournament to advance to the round of 32.  ESU defeated Washburn 5-3 in Maryville, Mo. and will take on the host Northwest Missouri State Bearcats with a trip to the "Sweet 16" on the line.  The Hornet men fell to Northwest Missouri 5-1 to end their season.

ESU won at #1 and #3 doubles to take a 2-1 lead into the singles matches.  Natalie Villaflor, Amanda Morris and Audrey Sherman won their singles matches in straight sets to secure the win for ESU.

The Hornets will play the Bearcats at 9:30 a.m. on Friday in Maryville, Mo. It is the third time in four years ESU and NWMSU will meet in the sub-regional championship. The two teams were in different sub-regionals last year and both advanced to the "Sweet 16" last year.

The Hornet men sent two of the three doubles matches to tie breakers losing 7-2 in the tie break at #1 and falling 9-7 at #2 doubles.  Julian Rios pulled ESU to within 4-1 with a 6-3, 6-3 win at #1 singles before NWMSU closed out the dual with a win at #3 singles.  The Hornets end their season with a 9-9 record after advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year.