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Dy, Quigley Win USTA/ITA Sportsmanship Awards

*Flushing, N.Y. — *Three-time ITA All-Americans Denise Dy and Eric Quigley added to their college honors Saturday when they were named the 2011 USTA/ITA Sportsmanship Award winners following their respective semifinal matches at the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships.

Dy, a senior at the University of Washington, enjoyed a third straight strong run at the tournament, having reached the semifinals in 2009 and quarterfinals in 2010.

Prior to losing in a three-set semifinal, Dy defeated 2009 champion and 2010 runner-up Jana Juricova of California 7-5, 2-6, 6-3. Matched against the No. 1 player in the nation, she showed great poise in prevailing over her Pac-12 rival.

“It’s always nice to win something,” said Dy. “I have not won a sponsorship award since I was probably 12. It’s a great thing for people to notice what I am doing on the court. I am happy for that.”

Quigley, a senior at the University of Kentucky, also has a history of success at the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships, having won the consolation singles title in 2010.

Before falling to Dennis Nevolo of Illinois on Saturday, Quigley ended the run of Columbia’s Haig Schneiderman in the quarterfinals. Playing in front of an enthusiastic contingent of supporters for the New York City native Schneiderman, Quigley was respectful of the fans while maintaining his focus.

Quigley and Dy were selected by a panel of coaches, officials and tournament committee members.

“It means a lot,” Quigley said of the award. “It was a tough day today; Nevolo played well. But this makes up for it a little bit. It’s always good to win a sportsmanship award. It means a lot that they think highly of me.”

For live scores, updated draws and player bios from the 2011 USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships, visit tournament central at ITAtennis.com. Access to an exclusive live chat throughout the tournament is available at USTA.com.

Posted on November 12, 2011
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