The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athenas women’s tennis team kicked off the 2026-27 season at the CMS/Pomona-Pitzer Invitational on September 18-19, 2026, at the Biszantz Family Tennis Center in Claremont, California. The team faced stiff competition from several Division I and Division II programs, including California State University Northridge, Concordia Irvine, Azusa Pacific, Westmont, and Pomona-Pitzer.
The Athenas recorded a combined singles match record of 23-3, with all three losses coming against Division I CSU Northridge. Rachel Garton stood out by winning three straight-set singles matches, including a 6-1, 7-5 victory over CSU Northridge, a 6-0, 6-0 win against Azusa Pacific, and a 6-3, 6-1 win against Concordia Irvine.
Other notable singles contributors included Leah Baroudi, Bell Zhou, Anika Malik, Alexandra Dewey, and Emily Gao. Baroudi, Zhou, Dewey, and Malik each went undefeated in their singles matches, contributing to the Athenas’ strong overall performance. In doubles, the team compiled a 10-5 record, with key wins including Rebecca Kong and Bell Zhou’s 6-2 victory over Pomona-Pitzer, Leah Baroudi and Ananya Sriniketh’s 6-0 win against Pomona-Pitzer, and Georgia Garrett and Alexandra Dewey’s 7-5 doubles win over CSU Northridge.
Looking ahead, the Athenas are set to host the ITA West Regionals in late October 2026 and will serve as hosts for the NCAA Division III Championships in spring 2027 for the second time in three years.
CSB Take
The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athenas women’s tennis team’s early dominance at the CMS/Pomona-Pitzer Invitational against strong Division I and II opposition underscores their depth and skill as they enter the 2026-27 season. Rachel Garton’s straight-set victories and the undefeated singles records of several teammates signal a well-prepared squad poised for success. Hosting major tournaments later this year offers a strategic advantage and a stage for the program to solidify its national reputation.
Source: Original report
