BOWIE, MD- The Chowan University women's tennis team is set to compete in the 2017 CIAA Women's Tennis Championship April 20th- 22nd. The Championship will take place at the Bowie State University Tennis Center. All matches are free and open to the public.

Eight of the ten member institutions will compete for the crown.

The Hawks look to defend their Championship title as they clinched the CIAA Northern Division title after posting a 13-0 mark in league play.

Polina Novachuk leads the Hawks with an 21-5 number one singles record while Victoria Smolchenkova totals a 16-7 record at the number two singles position for Chowan. Cynthia Carrier who went 18-6 in singles conference play, will add to the strength of the Hawks.

Angelique Gouin who has a 20-5 number four overall singles record, is undefeated in conference play doubles with Carrier in the number two position. The duo posts a 10-0 record against league competition.

Shaw University, 18-2 and 11-1 in conference play takes the Southern Division title looking to dethrone the Hawks for their crown. Virginia State University (14-4 overall and 10-3 in CIAA play) will round out the top three contenders.

Chowan will match up against the Lady Broncos of Fayetteville State University, the number eight seed at 10:00am on Thursday, April 20th. Following will be a breif  all-conference awards presentation.