ASHEVILLE, N.C. -  Claire Southern, the co-captain of the Meredith Tennis team, reached the semi-finals of the USTA Southern Indoor Tennis Championships this past weekend in Asheville, N.C. 

After receiving a bye in the first round, Claire won her Round of 16 match against Ann Lei from Athens, Ga. (6-1, 6-2). 

Meredith Head Tennis Coach Eric Douglass said, '"Claire implemented the game plan we talked about before the match to perfection! Her consistent play, particularly her return of serve, was what made the difference. I am so proud of her." 

Claire lost to the eventual winner of the tournament (Victoria Baranski, from Rock Hill, S.C.) in the semi-finals. 

Claire and her doubles partner (Hannah Higgins) lost a heart breaker in the Round of 16 (7-6, 3-6, 7-10).

After the match, Coach Douglass had this to say, "Claire and Hannah fought hard, but just came up a little short in the third-set tiebreaker. We talked after the match about using this match as motivation for the upcoming season. I have no doubt in my mind they will be a solid doubles team for us this season."

Meredith Tennis's first home match is Wednesday, February 7th vs. Randolph College. Doubles start at 3 p.m., with singles matches to follow starting at 4 p.m.