NEWPORT—This past weekend played host to the Newport Doubles Tournament Invitational where The University of Rhode Island secured two bracket final wins.
The doubles team of Junior Gracie Campanella and Freshman Ava Grinja won the Northwest Final while Junior Klara Nelander and Freshman Nikki Fernando would secure the season best fifth doubles victory in the Southwest Final. The invitational was held at the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame’s grass courts. Head Coach Val Villucci knows how special this tournament was.
“It was a very special time to share with the athletes,” Villucci said. “I remember competing there when I was playing, and how amazing of an opportunity it was. I hope they all remember this moment and realize they got an opportunity most people do not get to play on such prestigious courts. I would also like to thank the Hall of Fame for being so accommodating and granting us such access. It was very generous of them and their members to give us time to compete.”
Campenella and Grinja started the weekend off by securing a straight-set win on Friday against Brown University’s Vivian Miller and Miller Lee, advancing them in the East Quarterfinals. The final scores would be 6-4, 6-3. On Saturday, the duo would fall to Dartmouth’s University Brooke Hess and Ujvala Jupalli to scores of 6-3, 6-1.
They would dominantly bounce back Sunday by taking control of their match against Boston University’s Stephanie Nguyen and Yimei Emily Zhao securing the win with their first two scores. The final scores would be 6-2, 6-3. The duo’s weekend concluded with an overall 2-2 outing.
“This is a team that compliments each other well,” expresses Coach Villucci.
was a formidable win with teammates who supported each other, even during times they were struggling. These juniors have such experience and maturity on the court which helps elevate their teammates’ success, which results in them competing at such a high level.”
The team’s top duo of Nelander and Fernando started off the weekend by losing a tough match against Boston College’s Laura Lopez and Maria Aguiar on Friday to scores of 6-1, 6-1.
The duo earned a hard-fought victory on Saturday against Dartmouth’s Ashley Hess and Valentina Cruz-Bonilla with scores of 2-6, 6-4, and 12-10. This victory advanced them to the Southwest Final on Sunday.
The dominant duo defeated fellow URI Rams, junior Valentina Cvackoval and freshman Sophie Herman, in the Southwest Final in a highly competitive match. It would conclude in straight sets with final scores of 7-6, 7-3, and 7-5.
“They have clicked well as a duo which has led to such success,” Villucci said. “Both of their styles perfectly compliment each other. They are both very mature and intelligent when it comes to double’s play. Learning the game is something they have both done exceptionally well which they use to their advantage. That’s why they are a nationally ranked team. They lost to an amazing Boston College team, but that was a great experience for them to learn.”
The Women’s Tennis Team will be on the road this weekend in Hanover, New Hampshire at the ITA Regionals. It will begin this Friday and conclude Sunday.
“It is another individual event, where people will be qualifying for regionals,” stated Coach Villucci. “You never know what to expect or see during such an event. These athletes have shown they can solve any problems they are struggling with on the court and their strong mental toughness make them some of the best in the region.”