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                         May 2, 2003

WEST POINT -- Army won the Patriot League Championship for the fourth time in five years with a 4-0 shutout win over American Sunday afternoon at Malek Tennis Courts. The Black Knights advance to the NCAA Tournament.

No. 1 singles player sophomore Marissa Limsiaco teamed up with junior Melanie Bundoc to help nail down the doubles point in sending Army to the NCAAs. Army will face California May 9 or 10 in the first round of the NCAAs at College Station, Texas. Jim Fox/PV

Avenging a 4-0 loss at American in last year’s Patriot League Championship, Army set the tone for this season in the doubles matches, allowing the Eagles to win only one game total at No. 2 and No. 3. Sophomore Marissa Limsiaco and junior Melanie Bundoc shut out Aleksandra Zerkalova and Olga Mikhailova 8-0 at No. 2. Senior Lauren Leftin and sophomore Lyndsey Nott almost equaled that feat, winning 8-1 over Ashley Retlev and Brandi Kligman at No. 3.

Senior Annie Collier and freshman Megan Noble were trailing at No. 1 doubles, 4-5, when play was suspended with the Black Knights winning the doubles point.

In singles play, Army was just as successful, sweeping three matches before American could win one. Nott gave the Black Knights a 2-0 lead by virtue of a 6-1, 6-2 thrashing of Kligman at No. 6.

Noble then staked Army to a nearly insurmountable 3-0 lead claiming victory by a 6-3, 6-2 margin at No. 3.

The clinching match was won by the tournament’s co-MVP, Bundoc in a tight match, the junior downed Mikhailova 6-2, 7-5 to give the Black Knights the victory beneath gorgeous sunny skies.

Bundoc shared the MVP award with Collier, the academy’s all-time singles wins leader with 88. Collier, playing at her customary No. 2 position, trailed 6-4, 3-1 (15-30) at the time of the Army victory.

Limsiaco and Leftin were also left on the court. Limsiaco trailed Kollarova, 7-6 (7-5), 4-3. Leftin was ahead in her match at No. 5, 6-3, 6-1.

Army also ends the season having won all seven of its Patriot League matches, a feat it last accomplished with a 6-0 mark opposite Patriot League foes in 2000.