LATHAM, N.Y. - The Castleton State College women's tennis team defeated Penn State-Berks 6-3 to capture their third consecutive North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Championship, and a berth in the upcoming NCAA Division III National Tournament. 

Castleton ups its record to 14-4 this season, tying the program's high-water mark for victories set in 2009. Penn State-Berks ends its season at 10-6.

Castleton took a 2-1 advantage after doubles. Number-one doubles tandem Michelle Podnecky and Kate Bucci downed Crystal Hiltz and Arion Harris 8-3, while Chelsea Crehan and Brittni Racine earned an 8-5 win over Elizabeth Kehm and Amanda Fuller at number-two. The Spartans No. 3 doubles team of Olga McIntyre and Felicia West narrowly missed a clean sweep, losing 9-7 to Kristina Hatter and Samantha Warga.  

Podnecky, Bucci and Racine each won in first-through-third singles, effectively putting the match away. Bucci went three sets with Harris, winning 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 while Podnecky and Racine each won in straight sets.

Fuller and Warga each sandwiched singles wins around Crehan's 6-1, 6-0 win at number-five over Hatter.

The Spartans will learn their first-round opponent on Monday, May 7 when pairings are announced.