The Clark Atlanta University Lady Panthers tennis team battled gallantly, but fell to Benedict College in the finals of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Women's Tennis Championships Tuesday.

The second-seeded Lady Panthers lost 5-2 to Benedict, a team made up of six seniors that went 14-0 in conference play and defeated CAU for a third time in 2018.  Benedict was the only team that defeated Clark Atlanta this year, as the Lady Panthers finished the season 13-3 in the SIAC.

It was the second straight season that CAU lost to Benedict in the finals as Benedict won their third SIAC consecutive title.

"Benedict is a very tough team," said CAU head coach Will Riley.  "Coach Gary Taylor did a great job and I'm proud to see them representing the SIAC (in the NCAA Tournament).  On this day, they were the better team. But we'll have our chances."

The Lady Panthers were down just 2-1 after doubles matches Tuesday, but Benedict outlasted the Lady Panthers 3-1 in close singles matches to earn the title.

"We saw some good tennis," said CAU Head Coach Will Riley.  "The two best teams played today. I'm really proud of our young ladies and what they did.  It was hard-fought; we were up, were down, but you know, we came to play.  At certain points, that maturity level and skill, it kind of played a key in things.  We tried our best to stay focused, but we let some things get to us.  But I really feel the girls fought hard and it was a thing of beauty, even though it didn't go our way.  I'm proud of what they gave and what they've accomplished."

Seniors DiAndrea Galloway and Jade Shugars ended their CAU careers by both being named to the All-Tournament team in singles play. They also were named to the All-Tournament team as a doubles squad.

The All-Tournament team picks come on the heels of the All-Conference team announcement earlier this week.

Akilah Parker and Vanessa Eusebio were named to the All-SIAC team in singles while DiAndrea Galloway and Jade Shugars were chosen for the All-SIAC doubles team. Nicola Ramdyhan was named the SIAC's Freshman of the Year.