The Huskies (7-14 overall, 0-2 The American) were not able to sweeten their senior day with a win as they suffered a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Marist. (Eric Wang/The Daily Campus)
Seniors Jack McLister, Hank Hill and Justin Warren were honored Saturday in their final-ever match on home courts as members of the UConn tennis team. The Huskies (7-14 overall, 0-2 The American) were not able to sweeten their senior day with a win as they suffered a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Marist.
McLister was able to celebrate with a win in both his doubles and singles matches. The senior, along with sophomore John Michael Holtmann, picked up a 6-2 win at second doubles as the duo improved to 16-12 this season. In singles play, McLister earned a 6-2, 7-5 victory at No. 4 which marked his 15th singles win of the season.
Warren also earned his 15th victory of the year, grinding out a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 win at No. 5. Hill was unable to come up with a victory in his final home match as he fell 6-0, 6-4 at third singles.
“Today was a special day for our three seniors,” said associate head coach Reinaldo Valor. “All the seniors have given me their best every day and responded whenever I challenged them.”
Marist claimed the first point as they picked up wins at first and third doubles. The Red Fox (8-8 overall, 2-0 MAAC) were able to quickly extend their lead over the Huskies as sophomore Yili Zheng lost 6-2, 6-2 at No. 2 and Holtmann was defeated 6-4, 6-2 at No. 1. Hill fell at third singles and freshman Christian Provenzano suffered a 6-3, 7-6 defeat at No. 6 before McLister and Hill finished strong for UConn by earning victories.
The Huskies are currently reeling as the posteason approaches. The team has lost nine straight matches and will need to turn things around if they are to make a run in the American Conference tournament, which begins on April 18 in Orlando.
Story Salit is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus and can be reached via email at story.salit@uconn.edu.
