The last Penn State Invitational produced six flight champions for the women's tennis team this weekend.

The singles champions were Tammy Okins-Nguyen in A flight, Ann Slocomb in B flight, Carolyn Pickering in C flight and Denise Robison in D flight. The doubles champions were Jennifer Farrington and Kristin Kovalik in B flight and Emily Hull and Robison in C and D flights. Slocomb and Andi Chiumento were second in A flight.

This was the last Invitational because of next year's Big Ten schedule.

The team spent 15½ hours competing Saturday and nine hours competing yesterday against a total of five teams: George Mason, Mercyhurst, Mount St. Mary's, Pittsburgh and Seton Hall.

"Individually, some of the players from their teams were good players," Kovalik said.

"For the most part they were good teams but they weren't up to our level," Cathy Kissell said.

"I felt we had a very good weekend," Kovalik said. "Everybody was really determined to win their match and get off the court as soon as possible."

Kovalik explained that every Penn State player placed at the top of their individual flights.

Whiteside used the competition as a chance to let players, who are not part of the regular lineup, compete.

"Its just a great opportunity for them to show that they are good," Whiteside said. "In the long run our team will be the better for it."

Whiteside explained that the experience the rest of the team gained will be beneficial in the future.

No. 1 and 2 players Kelly Erven and Kissell stepped down to let their teammates play. Kerri Kohr did not play due to a back injury.

The rest of the lineup was moved up and Hull, Robison and Pickering were added.

Whiteside explained that every Lady Lion met a challenge because each was moved up at least two slots.

"I think everyone played really well," Chiumento said. "Our team has so much depth. I think anyone could play anywhere."

"They're that good that they can compete at a really high level," Whiteside said. "It's a great feeling to have them be able to rise to the occasion. . . . I saw a lot of good things happen with a lot of individual players."

One match that stood out was the final B flight competition. Slocomb and Kovalik competed against each other for the championship.

"Both of them raised their level of play," Whiteside said. "That was a match that you would have seen on TV."

The team gave a lot of support to each other, Kovalik said.

"I really liked to be able to cheer for them and see them be able to play," Kissell said.