University of Alberta’s men and women march their way to glory

The postponed 2020 installment of the Canadian University Tennis Championships was held this past weekend at the Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, and it did not disappoint! The University of Alberta, the University of Toronto, Western University, and Université Laval faced off for a shot at the championship title in both the men’s and women’s events. In the end, the best tennis was played by the Alberta Golden Bears and the Alberta Pandas as they were able to secure both titles against the Laval Rouge et Or in identical 4-3 victories.

In the women’s semi-finals, the Rouge et Or defeated the Western Mustangs in a 4-3 thriller to clinch their first University Championships finals appearance. Meanwhile, the Pandas won their matchup against the Toronto Varsity Blues to keep their hopes of winning back-to-back championship titles alive. On the men’s side, the Rouge et Or soared past the Varsity Blues in a convincing 7-0 win while the Golden Bears edged out the Mustangs by a score of 4-3.

Saturday’s women’s final was an epic and entertaining sequence of matches. The Pandas came out to the early lead as they secured the doubles point with three-straight doubles wins over the Rouge et Or. Then, clutch performances from Laval’s Mireille Moreau and Camille Godin leveled the score at 2-2. Tied once again at three points apiece, Emma Rutherford – the Pandas’ rookie – clinched the championship for Alberta with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Marianne Gareau. The Pandas won the event for the fourth time and were able to defend their 2019 championship title.

On Sunday, the men took to the courts for their own chance at glory. The Rouge et Or were coming off an impressive sweep over the Varsity Blues and looked to keep the momentum going. However, the men’s final results mirrored the women’s, and Alberta came out on top 4-3. A stellar performance under high-pressure conditions from Alberta’s Jared Maclean clinched the championship title for the Golden Bears, making it their third championship title in the twelve-year history of the Canadian University Tennis Championships.

In the third-place playoffs, the men and women from Western claimed the bronze medals with their strong efforts over the Varsity Blues.

Tournament MVPs

• Emma Rutherford, University of Alberta
• Jared Maclean, University of Alberta

For full results, please visit the Tennis Canada University Athletes Facebook page.