ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Grinnell College women's tennis team claimed its third Midwest Conference title in a row Friday afternoon with a 5-3 victory over Lake Forest College.

The title, which gives Grinnell the league's automatic berth to the NCAA Division III National Championships next spring, is the Pioneers' ninth overall and eighth in the last nine seasons.

Grinnell, 10-3 overall, had lost to the Foresters during the regular season. Lake Forest dipped to 12-3 with the loss.

The Pioneers began doubles play with an 8-1 victory by the No. 3 team of Hanna Feldman '14 and Julia Rumley '16.

Grinnell sealed the deal with four wins in singles play. Those came from Clothilde Thirouin '14 at No. 2 (0-6, 6-3, 6-3), Constanza Alarcon '13 at No. 3 (6-2, 6-1), Feldman at No. 4 (6-2, 6-3) and Emily Groth '14 at No. 6 (6-3, 6-3).

“This was a great day for Grinnell College women's tennis,” said Grinnell coach Andy Hamilton. “Not only were we able to claim a singles victory at the national level (Laura Krull '13 at the USTA/ITA National Small College Championships), but we were also able to claim our third straight Midwest Conference title without the help of our No. 1 player.

“I am tremendously pleased and proud of the seven women who represented Grinnell College in the dual championships,” he continued. “We prevailed 5-4 over a very strong Carroll team and then won 5-3 against Lake Forest, the only Midwest Conference team to beat us in recent years.

“Certainly, having Constanza back in the lineup the last few weeks aided our team effort,” he continued. “She is a multiple Midwest Conference champion and proved her worth today as she and Catherine Fitch '13 claimed a doubles point against Carroll but also won key singles matches. I think her ability and experience aided her, even though she was playing with a sore shoulder.”

“Hanna and Julia came up big for us in third doubles, prevailing over two teams that had beaten us earlier this season,” he added. “Hanna was also very good in singles. Throughout her career, she has come up big in singles matches.

“While I don't want to take away from the other players, I'm extremely pleased Clo was able to put the final point on the board in the championship match,” Hamilton concluded. “She's a co-captain and has been very focused while helping the team any way she can. She made great adjustments in her Lake Forest match after falling 6-0 in the first set. I'm so pleased for her and the team.”

The MWC Tourney continues Saturday in Madison, Wis., with doubles play. Singles action will take place Sunday.