MCC Women’s Tennis Battles Through Day One at NJCAA Nationals

A women's tennis player leaps into the air to strike an overhead shot on an outdoor court, fully extended at the peak of her swing during tournament play.
A women's tennis player leaps into the air to strike an overhead shot on an outdoor court, fully extended at the peak of her swing during tournament play.
Photos
May 4, 2025

TYLER, Texas – The Meridian Community College women's tennis team kicked off Day One of the NJCAA Division I National Championship on Saturday, May 3, with a series of exciting matches and standout performances. Held in Tyler, Texas, the national tournament runs through Wednesday, May 7, and features top teams from across the country competing in singles and doubles flights.

Each player competes in an individual flight bracket, earning points for wins and advancing toward championship rounds. Players who fall in the main draw continue to battle through consolation rounds to contribute to the team's overall point total.

Day One Highlights:

  • Flight 1 Singles: Cheludo Monnayoo delivered a clutch victory, defeating Maeva Chambon from USC Sumter in straight sets (7-6, 6-4). Monnayoo advances to face top-seeded Catherine Goldman from Hillsborough Community College in the Round of 16.

  • Flight 2 Singles: Reine Akombo fought hard in a close match but fell to Otoha Mogi from Seward County (6-3, 7-5). Akombo moves to the consolation bracket and will play again on Sunday.

  • Flight 3 Singles: Daisi Kukuljan dropped her opening match to Rosaline Akombo of Iowa Central (7-5, 6-0) and will compete in the consolation bracket on Sunday.

  • Flight 4 Singles: Lilly Hollingsworth fell to Juliana Jurado from Weatherford College (6-0, 6-2) and heads to the consolation bracket for Day Two.

  • Flight 5 Singles: Elizabeth Shirley shined with a commanding win over Lila Oliver of Bevill State (6-4, 6-1). She will face No. 3 seed Chiho Takada from Cowley College in the Round of 16.

  • Flight 6 Singles: Aleah McMullan received a first-round bye and is set to play in the Round of 16 against the winner of Sanchez (Weatherford) vs. Thrasher (Bevill State).

Doubles Action:

  • Flight 1 Doubles: Reine Akombo and Daisi Kukuljan fell to Barton County's Capigotto and Dotse (6-1, 6-2) and will play in the consolation bracket on Sunday.

  • Flight 2 Doubles: Lilly Hollingsworth and Cheludo Monnayoo dominated their opening match against Southwestern Illinois (6-1, 6-2) and advance to face the No. 1 seed duo from Hillsborough.

  • Flight 3 Doubles: Cayden Alexander and Aleah McMullan earned an impressive win over Moraine Valley (6-1, 6-4) and will face the No. 5 seed team from St. Petersburg College in the next round.

The Lady Eagles continue tournament play on Sunday with hopes of advancing further and adding to their team point total. Stay tuned for more updates from Tyler as MCC's players battle the best in the nation.