UConn women's tennis heads to Providence for New England Championships

After three weeks of rain keeping them from seeing competition on the court, the UConn women’s tennis team looks to continue their successful season through the New England Championships in Providence, R.I. this weekend.

Earlier this week, inclement weather struck for a third time this fall season, as the Huskies were unable to take the court against Quinnipiac. With three weeks having passed since the Army Invitational where the team competed last, it would be an understatement to say that they are anxious to get back on the court and compete. The New England Championships will present the Huskies with an opportunity to excel on the court in front of some of their Big East rivals, including Providence and Seton Hall.

The Huskies have traditionally produced strong showings at the New England Championships. Last season, the team went 16-2 against their opponents, defeating teams from Bryant, Sacred Heart, Fairfield and Providence, among other schools. In the second flight of singles, then-freshman Maxie Weinberg won the flight, easily winning in the first round and the championship match, while pulling together an impressive 1-6, 6-1, (10-5) come-from-behind victory in the semifinals. Overall, the team won four of the six singles flights and two of the three doubles flights.

“I saw last season how competitive [the New England Championships] was,” said Weinberg. “But I know that everyone on my team is ready to compete.”

After such a strong performance last season, the team hopes for nothing less than success this weekend. Now a sophomore, Weinberg has had a phenomenal season, winning her flight at Quinnipiac and advancing to the quarterfinals of her flight at the Army Invitational, so the Huskies are looking for another strong performance from her. The team is convinced that the three newest talents, who joined at the beginning of the season, along with a solid base of returning players, will make a significant difference in continuing and extending the record of victories at the New England Championships. Needless to say, the expectations on the part of the players are certainly high.

The Huskies will compete all-day on Friday and Saturday, as well as most of Sunday on the campus of Providence College. Following the conclusion of the competition, the team will return home and prepare to compete in a dual match against UMass on Wednesday afternoon that was originally postponed due to inclement weather. The match will be the Huskies’ first home match of the season, if the weather remains favorable.

“I’m just hoping for the best for everyone from UConn and hoping everyone plays well,” said Weinberg. “My personal expectations are to hopefully play well and do the best that I can.”