RICHLAND -- When you think of sports champions, the Prosser Mustangs, Dust Devils, or Americans might come to mind, but senior tennis?

That's the case for a group of women from around the Tri-Cities. They just returned from winning the national USTA game for their division.

The team ranges in age from 50 to well past their 60's, but just by looking at their swings and volleys, you'd probably think some are on par with the Williams sisters.

Team Captain Judy Baston said it's many things, including companionship, that keeps the women coming back.

"We play because it's social we play because its competitive and it makes us really, keeps us going yeah, we love it, absolutely" said Baston.

And from companionship to championship, the players beat out teams from across the United States to earn their spot.    

Their 3.5 division is what you could consider semi-pro, and team member Lea Hawkins said other people are taking notice of them.

"Winning nationals is just fabulous I just can't believe it that we did that but it will I'm sure everybody we've talked to is saying, oh good, now, you can do it we can do it too" said Hawkins.

Because the team won nationals, United States Tennis Association rules require teams to break up, allowing only three of this years players to try for nationals next year.

That means new servers and backhanders are being sought after.

Baston said regardless of the future, her team is full of life and energy on the court.

"Oh yeah, take no prisoners it's wonderful, we are very competitive, they're dedicated they're hard workers they play with intent, they want to win" said Baston.

As part of the national championship, Baston said a lot of the women's husbands traveled with the team, and acted more or less as the team cheerleaders.