TEMPE, Ariz. — Southwestern University Pirates women's tennis player Nina Mitrofanova was ranked No. 18 in all of Division III in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Rankings, earning the second highest individual ranking in program history. 

"Nina become the third Pirate in as many years to hold a national ranking in singles," Head Coach Billy Porter said. "She continues to elevate the program's high standards of excellence." 

Mitrofanova was also ranked No. 4 in the West Region. 

The first year from Conroe, Texas earned All-American status after becoming the second Southwestern University women's tennis player in program history to win the ITA Fall Regional Championship, defeating two regionally ranked opponents in Trinity's Zoe Kaffen and defending ITA Fall Regional Champion Elisa Kendall from East Texas Baptist University.

Teammate Emma Kesterson was ranked No. 20 in the region. 

The Pirates officially begin their team season on Saturday, Feb. 1 in a road match against the SCAC newcomer St. Thomas Celts at 3:00 p.m.