University of St. Thomas Women’s Tennis Program hosted and competed in the 2021 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Regional Championship this past weekend. The Celts had 12 NCAA Division III universities and more than 120 participating student-athletes travel down to Houston to duke it out for the regional title.

In the A Draw Singles, Suzuka Nishino, from the University of Texas at Dallas would take home gold after defeating her teammate Samantha Wong in the finals.

For doubles, the dynamic duo of Alli Ziehm and Emma Kesterson, from Southwestern University, would walk out on top with the title and a ticket to the National Championships in Rome, Georgia.

The hosting UST Celts had a strong showing as well, advancing players to the quarterfinals in both doubles and singles. Head Coach Jack Brasington III couldn’t have been more proud of his team and is also fortunate for the opportunity to host one of the largest NCAA Division III tennis tournaments in the country.

“It’s huge for us to host this ITA regional tournament, especially a young tennis program like ourselves” said Brasington. “There is a great sense of pride hosting Houston’s very first DIII ITA Regional.”

The Celts are entering their third year of competition since inception in 2019. Although a young program, they are already taking huge leaps toward being one of the top teams in the region.