By: Ryan O’Toole ~Staff Writer~

After an exciting year of Xavier tennis, both the women’s and the men’s teams’ seasons came to a close on April 25. The women played a marathon against St. John’s, with the match clocking in at four hours and 54 minutes.

It was an extremely back and forth affair, and either team could have taken it. Xavier jumped out to an early lead by getting the doubles point following an 8-6 victory by Amina Ismail and Sydney Liggins and an 8-7 win by Cristina Di Lorenzo and Daniella Patton.

These strong performances gave Xavier momentum heading into singles. St. John’s, however, quickly turned things around. They earned three points, bringing them within a point for the win. Di Lorenzo did not let the Musketeers go down quietly, though, and her victory tied the match at three. The No. 6 singles match between Xavier’s Danielle Paxton and St. Johns’ Irina Preotescu would decide the match, and ultimately, Paxton could not pull it out. She was defeated, 6-4 and 7-5.

However, even with the earlierthan- hoped-for exit, the women have much to be proud of, finishing with an overall record of 18-5 and a 7-2 record in Big East play. Despite their best efforts, the men’s tennis team also fell to St. John’s. St. John’s came into the match as the top seed in the tournament, and although Xavier put up a good fight, they didn’t have enough to beat the Red Storm on Saturday.

Things began well, as the Musketeers won the doubles point. Zach Mueck and Matt Bishop were impressive in the first set, showing their leadership and willing Xavier to an early advantage. Gabe Araujo and Arthur Stefani were determined and focused as they closed the doubles with a win and a Musketeer point. But the momentum would not last.

Xavier was swept 4-0 in the singles as they watched their season disappear before their eyes. Much like the women, the Musketeers can walk away proud as they close the year with a 14-9 record. There is room for improvement, but it sure seems that these two programs are headed in the right direction