Lewis' winning streak snapped with loss in quarters

OJAI, Calif. –  Chapman University junior Liz Lewis had her 24-match winning streak snapped as the two-time All-American fell in the quarterfinals at the 110th Ojai Valley Tournament on Saturday in the women’s independent singles bracket. No. 5 seed Lewis lost in straight sets to Sara Celma from Fresno Pacific University, 6-2, 6-3. Celma, the No. 4 seed, went on to capture first place in the tournament with a win on Sunday.

The loss was Lewis’ first since last May when she was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA national championships. This year she proceeded to win 24 consecutive matches – a school record – including tournament victories at the Fall West Regionals and Small Colleges Championships.  Her 65 career singles wins are already a school record in just three seasons.

The quarterfinals were also where the road ended for Lewis and junior Kelley Fox in the doubles bracket. No. 4 seed Lewis and Fox were defeated by No. 7 seed Katie Eng and Verena Preikschas from Cal State Stanislaus on Friday 3-6, 6-1, 10-2.

With a win on Thursday, Fox also climbed into a tie for second on Chapman’s all-time singles wins list with 42 in her career. Fox defeated Lauren Gelgur from Whittier College in the Round of 64 before succumbing to No. 7 seed Sheryl Bon from Azusa Pacific University in the second round.

Chapman’s women’s team is currently 12-4 overall, ranked No. 12 in Division III and No. 2 in the West Region. The Panthers will await NCAA playoff announcements on May 10.

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

Results: http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/tournamenthome/tournament.aspx?T=82759