WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – The Marist women's tennis team had its season come to an end on Saturday with a 4-2 loss to Quinnipiac in the semifinals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships at Mercer County Park.
"In just about every match we went the distance and were extremely competitive," said head coach Jason Sacher. "Quinnipiac was the better team today, they deserve a lot of credit. We showed tremendous growth and development over the course of the season and despite the result, we improved in many facets. Seeing that we were so close and can be competitive with the most elite teams in the conference should fuel us to work hard and come back better next year. I'm appreciative of all the work and dedication the girls put in this year. I believe they are headed in the right direction and will gain much value from this experience going forward."
The Red Foxes earned victories in a pair of singles matches. In the number one spot, sophomore Karly Pang (Kaneohe, Hawaii) defeated Sophia Dzulynsky, 6-0, 6-1. At fifth singles, sophomore Nikki Rohan (Mountain Lakes, N.J.) topped Kelsi Oliphant, 7-6 (7-2), 6-0.
Quinnipiac started the match by capturing the doubles point, earning victories at second and third doubles. At first doubles, Pang and junior Sabrina Tahir (Yonkers, N.Y.) were leading Quinnipiac's Dzulynsky and Sydney Young 6-5 when the match was halted after the Bobcats clinched the doubles point.
In singles play, Quinnipiac earned victories in the second and fourth spots, and then clinched the match when Michelle Dassa topped senior Marielle Campbell (Patterson, N.Y.), 4-6, 6-1, 6-0. Sophomore Katie Seitz (Pennington, N.J.) was leading her match 7-6 (13-11), 1-3 when play was stopped.
"Additionally I want to thank our senior captain, Marielle Campbell, for all of her many contributions this season," said Sacher. "She was a joy to coach, a great teammate, and incredible leader. I am confident she is headed for much success in her future endeavors."
Marist concluded its season at 6-10.
Match Results
Singles
1-Karly Pang (MAR) def. Sophia Dzulynsky, 6-0, 6-1
2-Jacqueline Raynor (QU) def. Sabrina Tahir, 6-1, 6-4
3-Michelle Dassa (QU) def. Marielle Campbell, 4-6, 6-1, 6-0
4-Sydney Young (QU) def. Lisa Ventimiglia, 6-3, 6-1
5-Nikki Rohan (MAR) def. Kelsi Oliphant, 7-6 (7-2), 6-0
6-Katie Seitz (MAR) led Ariana Launie, 7-6 (13-11), 1-3, match unfinished
Doubles
1-Pang & Tahir (MAR) led Dzulynsky & Young, 6-5, match unfinished
2-Raynor & Dassa (QU) def. Melissa Carlay & Kaye Eastman, 8-2
3-Oliphant & Mary Chupa (QU) def. Seitz & Campbell, 8-5
