Huskies' last stand

After being asked if her senior day would be emotional, captain of the women's tennis team BreAnn Cheung said, "Yes!"

"Last week at Rutgers we watched their senior day presentation and some of us got emotional. I can't imagine my senior day," she said.

It is not only the last home match of the season, but if the Huskies don't win, it will be UConn's last match until next fall. UConn currently holds the last spot in the race for the Big East tournament in Tamp, Fla. If the Huskies fall, then the 12th and final berth could go elsewhere.

"Villanova will decide our trip to Tampa. If we win, we're in, if we don't, we will have to see," Coach Glenn Marshall said.

UConn has hit a rough patch of late, losing three out of its last four matches. Rutgers defeated the Huskies 7-0 in UConn's last match.

Last season, UConn defeated Villanova in Philadelphia, 6-1. This season the Wildcats are 2-15, with only one win in the Big East. That lone win came Sunday versus Georgetown, whom the Huskies have beaten this year. Although Villanova has a weak record, Marshall knows the Huskies need to be cautious of an upset.

"We beat them last season. They will fight hard. We cannot overlook them and start looking ahead to the Big East tournament," said Marshall.

It will be a very intense environment Saturday at the UConn tennis courts. The close of a fight for a tournament berth and senior day will end an emotional regular season for the Huskies.

"It will be an important day for us," Marshall said. "Hopefully we can make the Big East and it will not be BreAnn's last match. She has been one of my all-time favorite players. She has been the heart and soul of the team this season and is the epitome of a student-athlete.

"It will be a sad day, but we have been lucky to have her for four years," Marshall continued.

UConn's up-and-down season will come down to their last match. The season-long goal of reaching the Big East tournament is within reach, as the Huskies control their own destiny. If the Huskies play with intensity and determination, Marshall believes they can beat Villanova.