July 14, 2006

South Orange, NJ (CSTV U-WIRE) -- The Seton Hall tennis team concluded its season by securing a ninth place finish in the Big East Championship. The team bounced back from a first round loss against West Virginia and won its next two matches.

Despite finishing in the middle of the pack among the teams in the Big East, head coach Ilene Weintraub had high hopes for the team and was slightly disappointed about the season.

"We had a decent overall season," Weintraub said. "It was a little disappointing that we lost our first round match to West Virginia, and I felt that that match was winnable."

Iva Gyurgina earned the lone point for Seton Hall in flight six singles. They also lost the doubles point, which Weintraub believes is the key in setting the tone for the rest of the match.

"As I've said before, the doubles portion of the match is crucial," Weintraub said. "There were some close matches in this meet, especially in the doubles."

Fortunately for Seton Hall, that would be their last loss of the season as they won the consolation bracket and took ninth place. Their first win came against 11th-seeded Pittsburgh, in which the Pirates won the doubles point and the match, 4-2.

The final match of the season came against Connecticut, a 4-0 victory. Seton Hall won a set in each flight until freshman Danielle Viola clinched the match for the Pirates with a win in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3.

The win ended the Pirates' season at 12-12, giving the team a .500 or better record in two consecutive years for the first time since the 1997-1998 season.

Things continue to look brighter for the tennis team despite the loss of graduating senior Viviana Figueroa. They will return the rest of their roster for next season and Weintraub believes two of those players will stand out with their play and leadership.

"Ebru Burduroglu and Iva Gyurgina should carry the torch for next season, Weintraub said. "They work hard and set a good example for the rest of the team to follow."

Paul Roper can be reached at roperpau@shu.edu.

(C) 2006 The Setonian via CSTV U-WIRE