DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University's women's tennis team completed its final fall tournament at the ITA Carolina Regional Championship. The Eagles faced tough competition from the region but earned three singles victories in the first round.

The ITA Carolina Regional took place on Oct. 19-23 in Chapel Hill, N.C. The event was hosted by North Carolina at the Cone-Kenfield Tennis Center.

In singles, junior Kennedy Hill defeated Sara McClure of North Carolina in 7-5, 6-4 sets. Senior Jade Houston took her opponent to three sets, coming out on top 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 against Alexandra Anttila of Clemson. Freshman Candice Bernier earned a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, win over Katelyn Hubbard of UNCW.  

With those three triumphs, all three Eagles advanced to the next round before falling out of contention. Hill dropped a 4-6, 3-6 contest to Marcella Cruz of Wake Forest. Houston faced familiar MEAC foe Nalanda Teixeira da Silva of South Carolina State and was defeated 0-6, 1-6. Bernier dueled with Helen Sarikulaya of Elon in the second round of the qualifying draw, falling 2-6, 3-6.   

Hill and Bernier also teamed up in the doubles draw, as well as Houston who was paired with Alejandra Hidalgo Vega. Hill and Bernier suffered a 6-8 defeat versus Ellie Murphy and Olwyn Ryan-Bovey of Appalachian State, while Hidalgo Vega and Houston were tripped up, 3-8 against Jade Groen and Angela Perez Barro of Western Carolina.

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