ROME, Ga. - For the second consecutive year, sisters
Maggie Riermann and
Grace Riermann along with Bethel University head tennis coach
Drew Fernelius headed down to Rome, Ga. to participate in the 2019 ITA Cup. The Riermann's
defended their Midwest Region title back on Sept. 22, making the pair two-time All-Americans after becoming the program's first All-Americans last season.
Grace Riermann competed in the singles draw after becoming a three-time All-American taking the singles draw of the Midwest Region.
Although she did not come up with a win in the singles draw Grace was right there the whole way dropping her first match in three sets before falling in the consolation quarterfinals 6-4, 6-3. After Grace had spent nearly five hours on the court already it was time for her to team up with Maggie in doubles play Friday afternoon falling in their opening match.
"We were in every match to the very end and showed we can play iwth the best in the country," said Fernelius. "Super proud of those two for their efforts this weekend!"
The ITA Cup features individuals from NCAA Division II, III, NAIA and junior college competing in their respective 16-player individual singles draws and doubles team draws with the winners earning entry into the Oracle ITA National Fall Championships scheduled for Nov. 6-10 in Newport Beach, Calif. The Oracle ITA National Fall Championships is the lone collegiate tennis event where players from all five divisions, including the top individuals from NCAA Division I, compete in the same tournament.
Formerly known as the Small College Nationals, the ITA Cup's history dates back to 1986, and is the only singles and doubles national championship event for the Division II and NAIA levels. Earlier this fall, more than 8,000 players took part in 60 regional tournaments with the goal of advancing to the ITA Cup.
