Southwestern women's tennis was ranked the top team in the West Region in the latest NCAA Regional Rankings, earning the highest ranking in program history. 

"Being No. 1 in the region is nothing less than special," head coach Billy Porter said. "We've been in the Top 5 of the region for the last half-decade, demonstrating consistency. I am so proud of them for earning the top spot." 

Nina Mitrofanova, a sophomore from Conroe, Texas, was rated the top singles player in the region, marking the first time a Pirate has claimed that honor. In a season in which the Pirates scheduled multiple competitions against scholarship schools, Mitrofanova posted a 10-5 regular-season record, going 8-4 in No. 1 singles, 2-1 in No. 2 singles, and a perfect 5-0 against SCAC competition. She is a two-time SCAC Player of the Week this season. 

"Nina has fully embraced the role of playing No. 1, moving up from No. 3 last season," Porter said. "She's played really solid tennis so far against DIII opponents and has had a great schedule against scholarship schools to push her to get to this point."

Esther Bowers, a senior from Kerrville, Texas, was ranked fifth. This is the first time in program history Southwestern has had two singles players in the top five. Bowers finished the regular season with a 9-4 record, working primarily from No. 2 singles, where she has an 8-3 record. She was the Week 9 SCAC Player of the Week. 

"Esther is in her third season playing No. 2 for us and is elite in doing so," Porter said. "After being an All-American in doubles, it's very fulfilling to see her climb in the singles rankings,"

Southwestern ended the regular season with a 13-4 record, with all four losses coming against scholarship schools. The Pirates were 8-0 against regional opponents and 6-0 against SCAC schools, earning the program's first win over Trinity to close the regular season. Southwestern will compete in the SCAC Championships starting on Friday, April 30, in San Antonio, Texas.