Due West, SC – On Saturday afternoon at halftime of the women's soccer match, the Erskine College women's tennis team were presented with their championship rings in recognition of winning the 2015-16 Conference Carolinas championship.

The team finished with a perfect 14-0 record in conference play, while finishing 18-6 overall and advancing to the NCAA Regionals.  By defeating Limestone 5-4 in the conference tournament finals, the team won their 11^th conference tournament championship in the last 12 years, and during that time their conference record 150-6.  The team not only excelled on the court, but also in the classroom. The '15-16 Erskine Women's Tennis Team was recognized by the ITA as an ITA All-Academic Team. To earn this honor, a team must have a GPA of 3.2 or better.  The players and coaches were presented their rings and ITA Scholar-Athlete certificates by Vice President of Alumni and Advancement Buddy Ferguson. 
 
2015-16 Erskine Women's Tennis Team Members Present Saturday

Sarah McDonald, a graduated senior Biology major from Round'O, SC. As team captain Sarah provided the team with strong leadership. Sarah teamed with doubles partner Polly Gullino to go undefeated at #1 doubles in conference play. Coach Parr states that Sarah's volleys are the best ever at Erskine. Sarah earned 2^nd team All-Conference honors. Sarah excelled in the classroom earning ITA Scholar Athlete honors in addition to being recognized as having the highest GPA at the Erskine athletic banquet. Sarah is now attending the Medical University of SC in Charleston.

Miranda Unthank, a graduated senior English major from Sawanee, Ga. Miranda had an outstanding senior year earning 1^st Team All-Conference. Miranda made great strides in her doubles play during her career at Erskine. Miranda teamed with doubles partner Mikaela Bennet to go undefeated at #2 doubles in the conference regular season matches. Miranda excelled in the classroom earning ITA Scholar Athlete honors. This past August 6^th, Miranda married Will Unthank, class of '15. Will and Miranda are now operating their own business in Columbia, SC where they now call home.

Haley Elliott, a graduated senior Business major from Simpsonville, SC. Haley is an excellent doubles player. In the team's championship match, Haley teamed with doubles partner Mollie Polk to earn the Fleet their first point of the match. Coach Parr states that Haley played the best tennis of her career in the tournament conference championship match, and it was great to see Haley end her conference career on such a positive note.

Mikaela Bennett, a current senior Business major from Calgary, Canada. Mikaela had a strong season earning 3^rd Team All-Conference honors. In the team's championship match, Mikaela was matched against a familiar foe in Limestone's Hannah Hopkins. With her team down 4-3, Mikaela displayed great energy and focus to win her match to tie the score at 4-4 which earned her All-Tournament honors. Mikaela teamed with doubles partner Miranda Unthank to go undefeated during the regular season at #2 doubles.

Mollie Polk, a current senior Education major from Round'O, SC. Mollie has an excellent season earning 2^nd Team All-Conference honors. During her career, Mollie has earned the reputation of playing her best tennis when her match results determine the overall team winner. In the conference tournament semi-finals, the match score was tied 4-4 with Mollie still on the court. With ice in her veins, Mollie played great tennis to defeat the Pfeiffer opponent 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 to earn the Fleet the 5^th and deciding point in the semi-finals. Also, Mollie provided strong leadership for the team's "Adopt a Grandparent" fellowship with the Renaissance Retirement Community. 

Rebecca Weaver, a current junior Biology major from Lake City, SC. Rebecca played a vital role on the team by competing when injuries occurred. During the team's regular season with match rival Anderson, Rebecca was down 4-1 in the 3^rd set. She played with strong mental toughness to come back and win 7-5. Her win provided the 5^th and deciding point for this on-the-road team win over Anderson. Rebecca excelled in the classroom earning ITA Scholar Athlete honors.

Rachel Berkey, a current sophomore Business major from Myrtle Beach, SC. Rachel had a strong season earning 3^rd Team All-Conference honors. With her team down 4-2 during the team's championship match with Limestone, Rachel showed what a great competitor she is by winning her match to get the team score to 4-3 which earned her All-Tournament honors. Also, Rachel excelled in the classroom to earn ITA Scholar Athlete honors. Coach Parr states that Rachel is one of the hardest workers on the team!

Morgan Keefe, a current sophomore Psychology major from Cades, SC. Morgan played a vital role by providing depth on the team. Coach Parr states that Morgan is a constructive influence on the team with her positive outlook, cooperative attitude, and great smile. Morgan made tremendous improvements in her game during the year.

Jim Query is truly a blessing from God to the team! His prayers and words of encouragement to the players and Coach Parr have made a major impact on their lives. Jim's financial support has played a critical role in providing the team with the opportunities to be successful. The Erskine's Women's team family would like to say thank you for all you do. Please accept this gift as a token of our appreciation.

Coach Calhoun Parr is currently in his 17^th season at Erskine. Coach Parr has an overall record of 282-100 with his conference record at 174-26. During the last 12 years, the Erskine Women's Tennis team has won 11 of the 12 conference tournament championships and the conference record is 150-6. Under Coach Parr's leadership, the Erskine Women's Tennis team has played in 11 NCAA regional tournaments. Because of the players' great performance, Coach Parr was named conference "Coach of the Year" for the 8^th time.