EDWARDSVILLE – The defending MAC Freedom champion Wilkes University women's tennis team kept its hopes alive for a chance at a 15^th consecutive title after posting a 5-3 victory over #3 Misericordia University in the semifinals Tuesday afternoon at the Ralston Athletic Complex.
 
Wilkes, the two seed, improved to 10-6 overall while Misericordia ended its season at 11-3.
 
The Colonels raced out to a 2-1 lead after doubles play thanks to wins from Alexa Cieri (Matawan, NJ/St. John Vianney) and Dasha Yakhnis (Verona, NJ/Verona) at No. 2 (8-5) and Cassidy Greenman (Glen Gardner, NJ/Voorhees) and Kaitlyn O'Neil (Jim Thorpe, PA/Jim Thorpe) at No. 3 (8-5).
 
After Misericordia tied the match at 3-3 following wins at No. 1 and 2 singles, Wilkes responded as Cieri made quick work at No. 5 winning 6-3, 6-2 and Greenman at No. 4 posted a 7-5, 6-0 victory to push the Colonels ahead 4-3.
 
Tea Amerise (Mountain Top, PA/Holy Redeemer) then clinched the match at No. 3 winning 6-1, 6-4 to seal the semifinals win and send Wilkes to its 15^th straight tile match.
 
Wilkes will face #1 Stevens Institute of Technology Saturday in the MAC Freedom championship match at a time to be determined. Stevens bested #4 DeSales University 5-0 in the other semifinal.