The Waterloo Warriors made their first appearance at the Queen's Club Doubles Tournament in Toronto on Saturday. The Warriors participated in three events, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
The Mixed Doubles began with the Warriors facing the UOIT Ridgebacks. The Ridgebacks had a dismal regular season but put forth a strong team. The Warrior's Nachiket Yardi (Mississauga/) and Brittany Sinclair were playing together for the first time and their inexperience and weakness was exposed early in the match with a break of serve in the first game. The Warriors launched a mini comeback but lost the first set 6-4. The second set was less of a contest with the Ridgebacks prevailing 6-4, 6-1 and knocking the Warriors out.
The Women's doubles kicked off with an encounter against the York Lions. This doubles pairing of Paige Long (Claremont/) and Alison Drainie (Toronto/) had won many matches for the Warriors in the regular season and their chemistry was seen early. The Warriors showed great grit and determination from the first game and it continued through the first set with the Warriors winning 7-6. In the second set, the Lions launched a strong comeback. They played aggressively and a few errors early cost the Warriors the second set 6-2. The third set was decided with a 10 point championship tiebreak. The Warriors showed the form that won them many matches in the regular season and won the match 7-6, 2-6,10-7.
In the semifinals, the Warriors were matched against the University of Toronto. U of T finished the regular season in third place however this did not deter the Warrior's spirits. A strong first set win 6-4 gave the Warriors an early advantage. The second set was a closer contest with both teams showing great skill and determination. The second set was eventually won by U of T 6-4 sending the match into a deciding third set. The Warriors once again stepped up their game and won the match 6-4, 4-6, 10-5 to proceed to the finals where they met the champions of the regular season, Montreal Carabins. Montreal sent their # 1 pairing and their experience and strong game proved too much for the Warriors. After a strong showing, the Warriors finally succumbed to the Carabins 6-1, 6-4 and came in a close second in the tournament.
The final event of the day was the Men's Doubles. The Warriors sent their # 1 pairing of Captain Peter Szpakowski (Hamilton/) and rookie Vincent Chan (Markham/). The Warriors were given an opening round bye and were met by the York Lions in the Semi finals. The Warriors had recent success over the Lions at the Team Championships and looked to continue that form in this match. The match started out close with both teams playing some exciting tennis. The Warriors team were dominant in the regular season and continued their winning ways with a hard fought 6-4, 7-6 win. The Warriors were then matched against the Montreal Carabins in the finals and were looking for some revenge after a scheduling error cost them the tie against the Carabins a few weeks ago. The opening set showcased some great skill and thrilling net exchanges from both teams. The match was in the balance early and a single break of serve gave the Warriors the first set 6-4. The match was less of a contest in the second set as the Warriors looked to put away the team from Montreal. Great serving and a solid return game gave the Warriors the match 6-4, 6-2. The Warriors emerged winners in the tournament beating the favourites, the Carabins.
The Men now prepare for the OUA championships at York University on November 12.
