By Chris Sbalcio, QBSN Staff Writer
Seniors Rachel Cantor and Erin Suvar lost their respective semifinals matches on the final day of play at the 16th annual Quinnipiac University Invitational at the outdoor tennis courts on Mount Carmel Campus.
Although Quinnipiac did capture a Doubles Championship, won by junior Mary Chupa and sophomore Ariana Launie on Saturday, a Singles Championship appearance wasn’t in the cards for the Bobcats.
“The Fall season is the individual season, and we’re looking at who can do what at what level, so it wasn’t
probably as annoying that we didn’t win everything we thought we could,” said head coach Mike Quitko, who seemed content with his team’s performance at the Invite. “I’m not disappointed; I think we learned what we have to work on, and that we will do.”
Cantor matched up against Providence’s Marisela Aviles in Flight “A” of the tournament and was defeated 0-6, 4-6, struggling through what Quitko called “a Charley horse” throughout most of the match.
In Flight “D” of the singles competition, Suvar faced Maria Rodriguez of Seton Hall. After losing the first set 0-6, Suvar fought herself to a tiebreaker in the second set, losing 6-7 (5-7) on a controversial final point called by Rodriguez.
That call didn’t bother Quitko, however, who was especially pleased by Suvar’s showing.
“I’m very happy for Erin … she works hard, does everything you ask of her, and she’s way above what I expected from her. I’m very proud of her.”
With the conclusion of the Invitational, Quitko also shared his thoughts on the upcoming season and his teams’ chances.
“I think if we do what we have to, we can do it on both sides, women and men. It takes a lot of hard work, a little bit of luck, and we need to stay healthy. We’re worried about the middle of April. As long as we’re okay then, we’re going to be okay as a team.”
