Gaston College continues play in NJCAA championship tournament on Friday

Gaston College's first-ever appearance in a National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament will continue on Friday at 11:30 a.m. when the Rhinos meet Trinidad State, Col., in a challenge round match.

Coach Rachel Noreika's team lost 3-1 to Region 10 rival Bryant & Stratton, Va., in its opening match on Thursday and lost 3-0 to No. 1-seeded Palm Beach State, Fla.

In matches held at Hickory Point Beach at Tavares, Fla., on Thursday, the team of Cameryn Reavis and Millea Styles won 21-19, 23-21 in their match against Bryant & Stratton.

Also, the team of Carli Phillips and Bianca Bowland suffered a heartbreaking 22-20, 16-21, 8-15 loss and the team of Naomi Hilliard and Cristina Rotola were leading in the third set when the match was clinched for Bryant & Stratton.

"We got off to a rough start on Tuesday and due to some travel complications weren't able to get on the road until six hours later than planned," Noreika said. "We managed to make it to Tavares just in time for our noon practice slot on Wednesday and true to their spirit, this team has managed to stay positive, take the inconveniences in stride and take in this whole awesome experience.
"I'm so proud of Millea and Cameryn on getting our first win of the championships. The loss in fours in the third set was a heartbreaker, especially since Naomi and Cristina were battling in a third set on the court next to them, so the tensions were high for both teams because it really came down to courts 4 and 2.
"We're so grateful to be here and we're looking forward to Day 2.

Other pairs who competed for Gaston College were Elizabeth Jones-Emma Downey and Leilani Nolasco-Kristy Seifert.

Fellow Region 10 rivals Bryant & Stratton and Spartanburg Methodist finished 1-1 in pool play and Richard Bland went 0-2 in their respective Thursday results.