Bishop Diego singles player Sam Kenney and two doubles teams advanced to the semifinals of the Frontier League individual tennis tournament at Villanova on Tuesday.
Sam Kenney took the first set from undefeated and top-seed Nicole Iannacone of Villanova but Innacone came back and won the next and the 10-point tiebreaker. The scores were 3-6, 6-3, 10-2.
Despite the loss, Kenney received a spot to play for a CIF-SS berth in the sectional tournament as La Reina’s finalist pulled out due to a scheduling conflict.
Kenney will play Villanova’s Annalise Farwell for the sectional berth on Thursday at Villanova
“It’s an exciting opportunity for Sam,” said coach Pete Kirkwood. “You don’t always get a second chance at something like this, but here it is. She’s playing well and has a real shot to advance.”
Bishop’s doubles teams of Cecily Puech and Anja Fassbind and Galiea De la Cruz and Lauren Weeks won their quarterfinal matches before being knocked out in the semifinals.
Anja/Cecily were defeated by No 2 seed Rachel Partykes/Annelise Rosara of Villanova, 6-0,6-2 Partykes/Rosara went 17-0 in Frontier league play.
De la Cruz/Lauren Weeks beat St. Bonaventure’s No. 1 team and then lost to Villanova’s No. 1 and undefeated duo of Yuki Wang/Annie Da, 6-3,6-1.