Miami tennis team makes first NCAA tournament

OXFORD — The Miami University women’s tennis team will find itself in uncharted territory Friday, May 8, when the RedHawks make their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.

Miami, ranked No. 72, will take on the top-ranked Northwestern Wildcats, the host team in the Evanston, Ill., regional.

It might be a new experience for the RedHawks, but Miami junior Brintney Larson can expect to see some familiar, friendly faces on the team whose mission will be to send the RedHawks packing.

“I grew up in juniors tennis with a lot of the girls on the Northwestern team,” said Larson, a native of Buffalo, N.Y. “I know from experience they’re all very talented.

“Keri Robison and I won a national doubles championship at 14-and-under,” she added. “She was one of my best friends growing up.”

Larson and Robison aren’t likely to face each other in a match. Larson plays No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles for Miami. Robison, a senior with a 25-8 overall record, plays mostly at No. 6 singles and No. 2 doubles.

Larson is one of the few veterans on a Miami team dominated by freshmen and sophomores. She also has experience on the national stage.

“I was really big into junior tennis,” said Larson, who won five national championships in doubles and was ranked No. 2 in 14-and-under and No. 2 in 16-and-under.

“I went to the University of Virginia and ended up having a really bad coaching experience,” she said. “So I was looking for a program with more balance, and my dad had gone to Miami.”

Her father, Larry Larson, pitched for the Miami baseball team that won the 1973 Mid-American Conference championship and played in the NCAA tournament.

“In juniors I have accomplished a lot,” Larson said, “but I think winning the MAC with this team is the most exciting thing that’s ever happened in my career.”