By Garrett Gess · Staff Writer
The women’s tennis team swept Saint Vincent on Saturday and honored its two seniors, Isabel Kleiman (left) and Jacqueline Marriott (right). (GCC Athletics)
Grove City College women’s tennis earned the No. 2 seed in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference tournament after sweeping Saint Vincent at home, finishing the regular season 10-1 overall and 7-1 in conference play.
The team honored seniors Isabel Kleiman and Jacqueline Marriott before the match.
The Wolverines have had a great season so far and look to make the next big step.
“Throughout the season, Coach Shea has emphasized the importance of our mentality each day. She got us really thinking about the way we are thinking during practice, lifts, and matches,” sophomore Grace Stitt said. “Instead of simply going through the motions, Coach is encouraging us to take advantage of every opportunity with a positive, growth mindset.
“I think part of the reason why this season has been so successful is that everyone on the team is headed towards one common goal — to glorify Christ in everything we do. With his strength, we have been able to pull out some impressive wins this season.”
The Wolverines swept all three doubles matches to take the doubles point against the Bearcats. Sophomores Grace Yurko and Emma Flanigan won 6-1 in the first doubles match, while Stitt and freshman Reagan Dougherty earned a 6-1 victory to follow. Sister duo Jacqueline Marriott and sophomore Jenna Marriott then completed the doubles sweep with a 6-0 win.
The Wolverines continued their dominance in singles, winning all six matches in straight sets. Stitt claimed a 6-0, 6-2 victory, while Yurko won 6-0, 6-2, and Dougherty added a 6-0, 6-0 win. In the second half of singles, junior Iris Kiehl earned a 6-0, 6-1 victory, sophomore Blaire Beatty won 6-0, 6-0 and Kleiman completed the sweep with a 6-0, 6-0 win.
The Wolverines aim to build on their strong regular-season performance by winning the conference title against Allegheny, with the winner qualifying for the NCAA championships. With a title victory, Grove City would extend its storied history with its 32nd PAC championship, a conference record by far.
While the Wolverines’ last title was three years ago, this year’s team looks almost completely different from the 2023 squad. All this year’s starters were still in high school when Grove City won its last PAC title. With a victory, the 2026-2027 team could create its own legacy.
“As we look towards the end of the season, it is clear that competing in the PAC championship is going to take endurance,” Stitt said. “At this point in the season, our bodies and minds are tired, and it’s going to take hard work to stay dedicated to the goal of winning the PAC; however, with the grit of this team, I am confident that we can end on top.”
While Grove City lost to Allegheny 5-2 during the regular season, the Wolverines defeated Saint Francis, who beat Allegheny 5-2. The championship rematch between the Wolverines and Gators could be a very compelling match between two competitive teams.
The standout Yurko was undefeated in eight PAC singles matches this season. Additionally, Dougherty and Beatty went 7-1 in PAC singles. The Wolverines earned a bye in the quarterfinal round and hosted their semifinal match against No. 3 Washington & Jefferson Thursday.
