Lawrence, Ga. – First-year sensation
Ariel Lewis had her amazing rookie season come to end on Friday morning at the NCAA Championships as she was upended by Trinity University sophomore Katie Poettcker by the scores of 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, and 6-2.
“This was a great experience for Ariel to make it all the way to nationals in just her first-year,” head coach
Constantine Ananiadis said. “She will surely learn from this opportunity which help her grow as a player over the next three years.”
Lewis, who was making a bid to become just the third NCAA All-American in the history of the women’s tennis program, seemed to settle down in the second set after early nervousness took her out of a rhythm a bit.
The NCAC Player and Newcomer of the Year led throughout the first set by the scores of 3-2, 4-3, and 6-5, but couldn’t quite finish off Poettcker, who finished the year ranked fourth in the ITA West Region. In the tiebreak, Lewis jumped out to a 2-0 edge, but Poettcker scored six straight points en route to the win.
“It was unfortunate that Ariel wasn’t able to come away with the opening set,” Ananiadis added. “She almost wanted to win it too much and got a little over anxious.”
A native of Vacaville, California, Lewis finished the season with an impressive overall record of 25-9.
