MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's women's tennis team will have the opportunity to defend its conference title from a year ago after clinching a spot in the upcoming United East Championship Match thanks to a 4-0 win over Cairn at the Hoverter Tennis Complex in the semifinal round of the conference tournament on Wednesday afternoon, April 30.


The Lions (14-7) rolled through doubles action to secure the day's first point. Sarah Shaub and Anita Liu swept Tatiana Ipri and Kailee Sobrino in the No. 2 contest, while Carissa Fallon and Hailey Dey also earned a 6-0 win over Madison Searls and Hajin Seo in the third doubles matchup. Allison Wootton and Breanna DeSantis were leading 3-2 over Reagan Griffith and Delaney Bouton in the top doubles matchup at the time of completion.


Penn State Harrisburg's strong performance continued in singles play, with DeSantis rolling to a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Bouton in the No. 2 showdown to lead the way. Liu topped Ipri 6-1, 6-1 in the No. 3 contest, Dey bested Searls 6-0, 6-1 in the No. 4 matchup and Fallon finished off Seo 6-0, 6-1 in the No. 6 pairing. Shaub had a 6-2, 4-1 lead when the No. 5 contest, while Wootton was making a comeback in the top solo outing when the match was decided.


The Lions will turn their attention to top-seeded St. Mary's (Md.) and the United East Championship Match, with the programs set to face off for the conference title for the third time in the last four seasons. First serve at Hempfield recCenter is set for 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, May 4.


Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg men's and women's tennis all season long on Instagram and X by using the handle @pshbgtennis.