y Vikings’ Journey Ends at Nationals
The women’s tennis team went to nationals for the first time since 1998 last week. The women traveled to Flushing, Queens, on Oct. 24 for a three day trip, and took on some of the country’s top tennis players.
The team was in Flushing until Friday afternoon at the USTA Billie Jean King’s tennis center. The tournament was held right next to the famous Arthur Ashe Stadium, which is host to the US Open. The team had five women in the national tournament.
“It was a tremendous honor to have our women’s tennis team participate in the NJCAA National Championship tournament at the USTA Billie Jean tennis center,” said Athletic Director, Kristan Pelletier.
“The experience was great. We got to see a lot of things that we’ve never seen before,” said Jenna Brophy, freshman.
While playing in a bigger stage than the team usually does, the Lady Vikings faced many talented women. “It was very intense tennis. We saw a lot of different levels of play. I think the girls played very strong against them,” said Head Coach Denise Potenza.
The Vikings’ top player, Emily Qua, senior, was the favorite from Hudson Valley to go far in the tournament. Qua played in the first flight singles and won her first round match. In Qua’s second round game, she had to face last year’s national champion and was defeated in that match.
“All the players were really good. I had to play the number one seed, who won it all last year,” said Qua.
Haley Knight, freshman, was in the second flight singles. Knight won her first round match, but dropped a close second round match as the end to her memorable season.
Knight and Qua played together in the first flight doubles, and made it all the way to the national semifinals, where they were defeated.
Competition was its peak during the national tournament. “The student athletes competed with the top tennis players in the nation and represented Hudson Valley Community College with class and integrity,” said Pelletier.
Brophy, undefeated freshman, went up against talented players. Brophy had a match against the number two seed in her singles match that lasted 2.5 hours, which was her longest match. Brophy was defeated in that long match and her opponent went on to win nationals.
Right after her long match, Brophy played in two back draw matches, which were consolation matches. “It was difficult to play two matches right after a long match,” said Brophy.
In one of the final matches of the tournament, freshman Rita Tompkins and senior Nicole Cassidy played in a doubles back draw match. The women fought their way all the way to the finals and lost in a close match.
The team had to play indoors due to weather conditions, but that did not throw them off. “We had to play indoors during the regional tournament and it didn’t really seem to affect the girls,” said Potenza.
The team put in a lot of effort all season to make it back to nationals. Pelletier said, “The dedication and effort that the team and Coach Potenza put into their season was admirable.”
“It was a first time experience for me and the girls. We learned a lot of things and learned how to be ready and more competitive for next year,” said Potenza.
Justin Hoyt, Assistant Athletic Director and Sports Information Director, was with the team for the whole tournament. “It was a great experience for the girls that have never been to nationals before. It was also good exposure for the school,” said Hoyt.
Pelletier also accompanied the team for part of the trip. “Personally, it was a pleasure for me to spend time with the team and watch them compete. I cannot think of a more deserving group of young women to have the opportunity to compare at such a historic and prestigious venue as the USTA,” she said.
A big contributor to the women being able to go to nationals was the Faculty Student Association (FSA). The FSA was able to put money together for a bus and expenses, so that the team could focus on the competition.
“We were grateful to the college and the Faculty Student Association for supporting this opportunity,” said Pelletier.
The team hopes to take this memorable season and follow these steps next year to try and get a national championship win.
Pelletier said, “I know the team already has a goal of returning to the national stage next year.”