Tennis Teams Ready to Serve It Up at A-10 Championships in Sunshine State
Pittsburgh, Pa. – The excitement is palpable as the Duquesne University men’s and women’s tennis teams gear up for the Atlantic 10 Championships this week at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida. This prestigious tournament offers a chance for redemption, glory, and, of course, plenty of exhilarating matches! The men’s tournament will unfold from April 23 to April 26, while the women’s competition is set for April 24 to April 27.
Women’s Tournament
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The Duquesne Dukes women’s team enters the conference championships on an impressive five-match winning streak, marked by three consecutive victories in the A-10. With a solid 10-7 overall record and a remarkable 5-1 mark in conference play, the Dukes secured the No. 6 seed and are set to face the No. 11 seed George Mason on April 24 at 2:00 p.m. This encounter will be a rematch, as Duquesne previously triumphed 4-1 over the Patriots earlier this season.
Key Players to Watch
Leading the charge for the Dukes is Senior Kaya Rand, boasting an impressive 11-6 singles record. In her last ten matches, she has shone brighter than ever, securing 7 victories. Primarily playing in the No. 2 spot, Rand has carved out a respectable 7-4 record.
Junior Taisia Yakunina has also emerged as a powerhouse, accumulating a 9-5 singles record and mirroring Rand’s momentum with a 7-3 run in her last 10 matches. Operating between the No. 3 and No. 5 slots, her greatest success has been at No. 5, with a 4-2 record.
At the No. 1 position, sophomore Mila Badics has faced tough competition and holds a 9-8 overall record. Meanwhile, freshman Alexandra O’Brien is making waves in her debut season, riding a four-match winning streak and achieving a 6-3 record over her last nine clashes.
In doubles play, the dynamic duo of Rand and Badics has been a force to reckon with, boasting a stellar 8-2 overall record while vying for the No. 1 spot, recently enjoying a four-match winning streak.
Men’s Tournament
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Meanwhile, the men’s team looks to rebound after a disappointing finish in the regular season, dropping their final match 5-2 to Mercyhurst, concluding with a 4-10 overall record and a 1-4 mark in conference play. Securing the No. 8 seed in the tournament, they are set to face No. 9 seed Saint Louis on April 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Rising Stars
Freshman Arnau Anton Garcia has made a significant impact, with a 4-5 overall record across various positions. Fellow freshman Teo Papadopoulos has been on a roll, clinching two recent wins and improving his record to 4-3 in his last seven showings.
Another promising entrant is Enrique Lana, who rides a three-match winning streak into the tournament, showcasing his competitive edge throughout the season.
In doubles, the junior pairing of Keita Duclos and Alfrendo Vogelaar has ignited the court with a 4-3 mark in their last matches, finishing off the regular season on a high note. Freshmen Uvan Patel and Garcia have also contributed with a commendable 1-1 record in conference play.
Stay Connected!
Follow the Dukes all weekend! Check out GoDuquesne.com for live updates and matches. Stay connected on Twitter (@DuqTennis) and Instagram (@duquesnetennis) to catch every moment of the A-10 Championships!
This thrilling week in Orlando promises high-stakes tennis, fierce rivalries, and plenty of unforgettable moments. Will the Dukes bring home the championship? Keep your eyes peeled and your hearts racing as we cheer on our beloved teams!
