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 Third Annual Siena Invitational Marks Return of Competitive Tennis to Schenectady
Sept. 16, 2008 SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - Siena College will host its third annual women's tennis tournament at Central Park this weekend, marking the return of competitive tennis to Schenectady. The NY Buzz of World Team Tennis played in Central Park for 13 years before opting for the controlled environment indoors at the Washington Avenue Armory this past summer. In addition to the Saints, Providence, Holy Cross and Hartford will compete in the two-day event set to begin Saturday, September 20 at 10:30 a.m. The event concludes Sunday, September 21 at 9 a.m., highlighted by the finals matches from Saturday's main singles and doubles draws. Community leader 15-Love will host two open clinics in conjunction with the event. The first, which is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m., is open to adults and intended to provide a fun introduction to tennis through a brief overture and group games. Information will also be available on how to take part in local instructional leagues and introductory classes. The second clinic is targeted at area children and will take place Saturday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. The clinic will feature games, prizes and simple instruction as well as information on how to continue learning the game through local clubs or 15-Love. Both clinics will be held on the Stadium Court. The City of Schenectady recently made several facility improvements and enhancements to prepare for the event and future athletic competition. "We are thrilled to welcome Siena College and collegiate tennis to Schenectady's Central Park," Schenectady Mayor Brian U. Stratton said. "We hope this tournament will mark the beginning of a new era of athletic competition in our Tennis Stadium." Siena Athletic Director John D'Argenio feels the event will be a great benefit to the community and the College's student-athletes. "We thank the City of Schenectady for their generosity in providing our student-athletes this tremendous opportunity," D'Argenio said. "Our team is made up of some of the top female players in the area and this will provide the community a chance to see them compete in a first class venue. We look forward to growing this new relationship and continuing our long-standing relationship with 15-Love."
The Siena's women's tennis team is coming off a 7-0 shutout of Hartford Saturday in Connecticut to start the season. The 2006 MAAC Champions are led by Latham's Sarah Mayer. Mayer, the 2005 and 2007 MAAC Player of the Year, is one of three Shaker High School alums in the Saints starting six. She ranks as the school's all-time leader in career victories. All of the weekend's festivities are free of charge. |
