Match Results
Laie, HI – In the third and final day of the PacWest Championships, the Academy of Art University battled Hawaii Hilo on Saturday evening. The Urban Knights had to fight back after dropping their first match on Thursday, but were now playing for 5th place in the tournament. The Vulcans were tough competition, but ART U was tougher; and after a long match, the Knights came away victorious claiming 5th place in the PacWest Championships. The Urban Knights won with a final score of 5-2.
“The team played their tail off today,” exclaimed Head Coach Dave Allen. “We knew that the doubles was going to be key in this match. Hilo has a very solid team with plenty of experience behind them. Everyone knew what was on the line and we wanted that championship win!”
Doubles play was again a strong point for the Knights. Starting the match in doubles was Kunkanda "Cartoon" Phukchampa and Laone "Lala" Botshoma who teamed up in the No. 1 singles slot. They fought hard against their opponents but earned the 8-6 victory over their challengers. The duo of Amal Ben El hadj and Diane Phan followed in the No. 2 spot, and were a very strong force just as they were in their last match as they defeated their opponents 8-3. Paola Corre Fe and Courtney DeWalt were the final doubles pair for ART U. They battled through a very long match, but ultimately came up just short of the win, and fell to their challengers with a score of 6-8.
The Urban Knights used the short break between doubles and singles play to re-group and re-energize. That refocus seemed to work as the Knights came out in singles play stronger than ever, seeming eager for the 5th place finish.
Phukchampa was first in the singles play and got things going right away for the Knights defeating her opponent in two sets, 6-4, 6-2. Botshoma followed in the No. 2 spot and was also victorious winning with scores of 7-5, 6-1.Ben El Hadj was in the No. 3 spot, and was flawless through her match. She too won in two sets with scores of 6-1, 6-2. Correa Fe was the last challenger in singles competition for ART U. She put up a good fight, but fell to her Hilo challenger with scores of 7-5, 6-1. The Knights as a team, however, had reached five wins, and the loses did not affect the outcome. ART U's hard work had paid off, and the 5-2 victory lifted the team to their 5th place finish in the PacWest Championships.
“Senior Laone Botshoma struck the final blow with a leaping overhead shot after attacking a short ball. That was an amazing way to finish your championship career,” Coach Allen said. “We are really going to miss this amazing player, but she promised she would continue to help improve our young team.”
The Urban Knights now return to the mainland for their next competition. They are scheduled to play Hawaii Hilo on April 21st. Match time and location are still to be determined.
