Women’s Tennis awaits first-round NCAA opponent

Women’s Tennis awaits first-round NCAA opponent
By Michael T. Lyle, Jr.
April 22, 2008

HAMDEN — After dropping a 7-0 decision in their regular-season finale at Stony Brook, Women’s Tennis Head Coach Mike Quitko said his squad would have to put up a dominating effort in order to clinch a fifth consecutive championship in the Northeast Conference tournament.

The events over the past weekend from the Mercer County Tennis Center in New Jersey prove the top-seeded Bobcats did just that, knocking off Saint Francis (PA), Mount Saint Mary’s, then Long Island University to secure the NEC crown and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

“It feels great, “said Quitko. “The kids played very hard and I’m elated to pull a championship out of this.”

The Bobcats locked up the victory on Sunday when sophomore Mary Wilson defeated LIU’s Selma Babic, 6-4, 6-3, clinching the decisive point in singles action.

Senior star Amanda Petruzzi added to a victorious afternoon for Quinnipiac, and also made some history in the process. She scored a double-winner for the Bobcats and coasted to a straight-set victory in singles action, picking up her 100th and 101st wins of her illustrious career.

“She was a great contributor,” said Quitko of Wilson. “LIU was a tough match, but she and Amanda were great. I thought everyone was instrumental in getting the win.”

The Bobcats didn’t waste much time getting back into the swing of things, as they resumed practice this week in preparation for their first-round opponent in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Quitko may not know who his team will face in the opener, but knows that whomever they’re matched up against, it’s going to be a daunting task because it will likely be against a top-16 foe from one of the powerhouse conferences.

Quitko, though, says he doesn’t see it as pressure because he likes a good challenge.

“We like to have fun with the selections,” he said. “It’s great for us and great for the school. We love going out and representing our university well.”

The pairings will be announced next Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. on ESPNEWS.

Quinnipiac Athletes Launch “Pink-Out”

Quinnipiac Athletes Launch “Pink-Out”
By Zach Smart

Adversity.

Most of us have handled or been dealt our fair share of it.

It’s about as unpredictable an aspect of life there is, one that simply nobody can eschew. No one gets through life unscathed.

According to the National Cancer Institute, roughly 178,480 and 2,030 cases of breast cancer surfaced last year between women and men, respectively.

Quinnipiac has constantly taken significant steps towards fighting breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America.

Programs and fundraisers have been launched, money has been donated, research programs have received considerable contributions. Fraternities, clubs, and recently-installed programs alike have done their part in helping fight and raise awareness to breast cancer.

On Feb. 22, however, thanks to the efforts of Quinnipiac junior Jackie Herb, an event that may be head-and-shoulders better than most others of its ilk will be installed. It is promising on more fronts than one.

Herb and senior Roger Fish, the president and co-president of S.A.A.C. (Student Athletic Advisory Committee), respectively, will host the inaugural “Pink Out.”

The event is designed to raise money for the Susen G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The “For The Cure” foundation maintains a high-order commitment to “curing breast cancer at every stage-from the causes to the cures, to the pain and anxiety of every moment in between,” according to the program’s website.

Shirts with “Pink Out” emblazoned on the front, accompanied by the breast cancer awareness ribbon will be sold for $10 each, prior to the men’s hockey team’s 7 P.M. showdown against Cornell at the TD Banknorth Sports Center.

It’s an event that Herb and Fish, members of the women’s tennis team and men’s lacrosse team, respectively, are certainly giddy about.

“Obviously, if we can get everybody (who attends) to buy one, that’s a good amount of money that we can donate,” explained Fish, a native of Columbus, Ohio.

“On another level, we think that this is going to be a great way to promote school spirit. Our hockey team is having a great success again, and we feel that we can make this maybe a tradition, that the QU hockey team picks a game each year to have this event. We’ll raise awareness and we’ll raise money.”

Given the record attendance of the Feb. 8 Yale game, this could be a hit. Spirited students and hockey fans willing to help a good cause can cohesively contribute before cheering on their team in the jam-packed stands.

Fish continued, “Wearing a bunch of yellow shirts is one thing. Wearing a bunch of pink shirts that actually mean something, well…We realize that this is something that could set us aside from other college hockey teams and other college traditions.”

Herb dug up the idea in the beginning of September. She presented it to athletic director Jack McDonald and Tracy Flynn, ironing out the ideas with the Student Alumni Association. All parties were instantly sold.

A pink-clad fan base is certainly envisaged for the evening game. Fish and Herb hope that the seeds they planted for an event of this magnitude will sprout into an annual success.

A few minutes with Mary Wilson

A few minutes with Mary Wilson
by Matt Stucko
October 17, 2007

Part of a solid group of tennis players who are making their presence felt in the Northeast Conference, Mary Wilson is enjoying every second of her team’s success.

The Pennsylvania product is 10-3 this season in singles matches which puts her at the top of the NEC in victories.

The sophomore was recently named the NEC Player of The Week of 9/25. She advanced to the top flight singles and doubles earning her the honor. She teamed up with freshman, Adrienne Markison, and the two have become of true doubles tandem.

We caught up with Mary to talk about her strong start to the season, aspects of her game, and some of her future plans.

Being named Player of The Week, how much did it boost your confidence for future matches?

Mary Wilson: Being Player of The Week is definitely a proud accomplishment, but I just go into every match with the same mindset and that’s just trying my hardest to win.

And doubles, you played with Adrienne Markison. You two don’t have much playing history together, but it doesn’t seem to factor on the court. What was that like achieving what you two did so early in the season?

MW: It’s hard to replace Gabby from last year, but she was able to teach me everything and I find myself doing that with Adrienne. Adrienne is amazing though. She really stepped up to play first doubles. She keeps me positive and our games complement each other. We hope to keep this good streak running through regions in Virginia.

And was winning this weekly award a true testament to your off-season work during the summer?

MW: My coach, Craig Perry, at home is great. He works me hard so I’m ready for season. But to be honest when I hit with coach Quitko and my teammates, I feel it’s more similar to match play situations. The girls make me play to the best of my ability

How have you felt so far about your performance so far this season?

MW: I think my performance has been decent, but I’m never satisfied so that’s a tough question for me. (laughs)

What’s your biggest strength?

MW: My biggest strength. My teammates might disagree, but forehand down the line is really pretty when it goes in (laughs)

Is there any part of your game that you’re working on right now to improve?

MW: I’m just trying to stay more consistent, with more shots in the court. 100 ball drills baby!

And what are your expectations for that match/tournament?

MW: I just hope all the freshman and returning players are able to grove out all the nerves for future matches.

Have you set yourself any goals to accomplish by year’s end?

My goal for this year is for the new team to become as close as we were last year, and obviously, win another NEC title match.

When’s the next time you’ll be going home?

I’m going to try and make it home for my mom’s birthday on the 10th of November, but maybe not until Thanksgiving though.

What do plan doing during your time off?

I enjoy listening to music, being with friends, and going into the city when I get the chance.