Women's Tennis | 4/17/2011 2:09:00 PM

BURLINGTON, N.C. - The Methodist women's tennis team won their fourth USA South Tournament title in five years on Sunday with a 6-3 victory over Meredith College. 

The Monarchs opened the match with the 3-0 lead after doubles. Rachel Purser and Dana Powell won 8-2 at number two and Kaitlin Flaherty and Katherine Meindl won 8-2 at number one. Stacey Brooks and Laura Baker won 8-4 at number three.

Kelli Shelton won the first singles match 6-0, 6-2 at number six and Baker clinched the Monarchs' win with a 6-3, 6-2 win at number four. Flaherty lost 6-2, 6-2 at number one and Purser won 6-4, 6-2 at number three. Powell lost 6-3, 4-6, 10-7 at number five and Meindl lost 6-4, 1-6, 10-8 at number two.

Shelton, Purser and Flaherty earned All-Tournament recognition for their efforts.

With the win, the Monarchs receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament set to begin May 13-15, 2011. The NCAA will announce the full team selections by Monday, May 9.