Sumter, SC-- Freshman
Paola Gullino capped off a sensational inaugural season by earning the Fleet's decisive 5th point in the Conference Carolinas Championship match against Limestone on Sunday night. Erskine defeated Limestone, 5-4, to earn their 12th conference tournament title in the past thirteen years. Gullino, the Conference Carolinas "Freshman of the Year" and "Player of the Year," defeated LImestone's Manon Janin in straight sets for the final point. Erskine led 2-1 after doubles but actually trailed 4-2 before singles wins by
Rachel Berkey at #6 and
Mikaela Bennett at #4 tied the match to set the stage for Gullino's final victory. The match was originally scheduled to begin at 9:00 am on Sunday but strong rains forced delays throughout the day. The match finally started at 5:40 pm. The Fleet earned a berth in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional.