The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) released its Division III women's rankings today, with Southwestern finishing the season as the No. 10-ranked team in the country. 

Southwestern finished the season with a 17-5 record, going undefeated against Division III opponents through the regular season and conference tournament to win the first Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) championship in program history. 

By winning the SCAC championship, the Pirates earned the program's first NCAA Tournament bid, advancing to the Elite 8, where they fell to eventual national champion Emory University. With the ITA announcement, Southwestern breaks into the top 10 for the first time. The program's previous highest ranking was No. 20, earned at the end of last year's pandemic-shortened season. 

"It was a historic season for our women's team. They were able to overcome a lot of odds and accomplish goals we'd set for a long time," Southwestern Head Women's Tennis Coach Billy Porter says. "Earning a top 10 ranking validates their commitment and work ethic." 

In addition to the team ranking, the ITA ranked Southwestern's Nina Mitrofanova the No. 20 singles player in the nation. By finishing in the top 20, Mitrofanova becomes the second two-time All-American in program history and the first two-time singles All-American. Mitrofanova previously earned All-American status by winning the ITA Fall Regional Championship last year. 

Mitrofanova is the fourth Southwestern women's tennis All-American. She posted an 11-7 record, including 9-6 in No. 1 singles and 9-1 against Division III competition, earning First Team All-SCAC and qualifying for the NCAA Individual Championships.

"Nina is our hardest worker and is without a doubt very deserving of this ranking and becoming the program's first two-time singles All-American," Porter says.  

In 2017, Kate Daugherty earned All-American status in singles and doubles by sweeping the ITA Regional Singles and Doubles Championships. Esther Bowers, her doubles partner, also earned All-American status. In 2019, Mary Cardone became the program's third All-American by qualifying for the NCAA Tournament and winning in the first round. 

Southwestern has been a fixture in the national rankings since 2017 when they broke in at No. 39. In eight years coaching at Southwestern, Porter has compiled a 117-36 record.