Match Results
Laie, HI – During the opening day of the Pacific West Conference Championships Academy of University's women's tennis team faced Chaminade University on Thursday afternoon. The day was hot, but the Knights seemed ready for the tough competition that lay ahead. After going 1-1 against the Silverswords during the year, the Knights had their work cut out for them in this quarter-final tournament match. After a hard fought match that went down to the wire, ART U fell just short of the victory with a score of 3-5.
“There was absolutely no letup with our team,” Coach Allen reflected. “Everybody played their hearts out. It was hot and a long match. Chaminade's team played very well, but I have to say that so did we. In competition, we've had a very successful season and we have approached all of our matches the same way. On season we were 1-1 with them, unfortunately we lost in PacWest championship and that's a hard thing to swallow, but we're on pace with what we did last year and we are undeterred going forward.”
The match began with doubles competition which quickly turned sour for the Urban Knights. The Silverswords ended up taking all three doubles matches. Down 3-0 after doubles, ART U took a quick break before singles play to re-group and try to re-gain control of things.
“The matches were extremely close today,” Head Coach Dave Allen said. “Despite being swept in doubles, the team kept their composure going into the singles matches with the expectation that the singles would bring us through. Unfortunately we lost this match by a matter of points, not games.”
It was a different story in singles play for ART U. Amal Ben El Hadj came up with a big win in the No. 3 singles spot winning in two sets, 6-2, 6-2. She was followed by teammate Diane Phan who also posted a victory for the Knights defeating her challenger 6-0, 7-5. Paola Correa Fe also came up with a big win for ART U winning 7-6, 2-6, 6-0. Maria "Belen" Tenorio was in the middle of her match about to claim a victory for the Knights, when things were cut short due to a second and final singles loss coming from her teammate on another court. Kunkanda "Cartoon" Phukchampa was that teammate, and had been battling in her match through several sets. She finally ended up just being edged out with scores of 3-6, 6-3, 7-6. With Phukchampa's and Laone "Lala" Botshoma's loss in singles play, the Silverswords had all they needed to win the match. Although the Urban Knights came up short in the end, they played well, and fought hard leaving everything on the courts.
“It was a very hard-fought match,” Coach Allen explained. “We knew Chaminade was going to be tough and we were disappointed losing all three doubles, but after a short break, the team responded extremely well. I was very happy with the way our team has remained competitive and maintained their composure as they have all season. They were faced with a real challenge with having to win all singles since the winner was the first to five victories.”
The Knights are still in the tournament and will play a consolation match tomorrow. The Knights are scheduled to take on Dominican University in day two of the four day tournament. Matches will still be played in Laie, HI.
“After the match, our team handled themselves with class and dignity,” Coach Allen observed. “And they have a positive attitude for tomorrow's match against Dominican. We will continue to move forward and prepare as we have all season long.”
