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For RIC Senior, V Stands for Victory |
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by Brian Buonaiuto |
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When Donna Vongratsavay leaves Rhode
Island College, she won’t be easily forgotten. Her name is
plastered all over the RIC record book, not that any of this matters
to Vongratsavay. "I never really thought about the points or
the records, I just went out there to play and have fun." |
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The North Providence native leaves RIC as
the all-time leader in doubles victories with a record of 51-14,
compiling a .784 winning percentage that ranks fifth all-time. Her
65.5 points are second all-time, her 40-14 career singles record is
good for fourth all-time and her win percentage of .740 is seventh
all-time. |
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While holding numerous career marks,
Vongratsavay also holds numerous single-season achievements. Of the
top ten single-season point leaders, Vongratsavay holds three of
them. She has three of the top 15 win totals for single-season
victories in both singles and doubles play. She has compiled two
straight 13-3 seasons, both ranking in the top 15 all-time. |
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Vongratsavay was the Little East Champion
her junior year at number two doubles and got of to an 9-0 start to
her senior campaign in 2002. "The great thing about Donna is
her consistency, she plays hard on every point," says RIC Head
Coach Kelly Lange. "Donna was very important in getting the
rest of the team ready, and we could just pencil her in for a
victory almost every time." |
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While Vongratsavay fell in the final at
number two singles she did manage to pickup another LEC doubles
title, this time winning at the number one flight with teammate Liz
Barrette. The team finished third at the LEC Championships and ended
the season with a 9-5 record under their first-year coach. |
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As for the future of RIC tennis,
Vongratsavay is very optimistic. "They are going to win it next
year, with the returnees and some of the newcomers, they are going
to be very good." |
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It will be difficult for RIC to replace
the consistency of Vongratsavay. "Her positive attitude, her
true love for the game is going to be missed. She plays with so much
heart, and battles every point," says Coach Lange. |
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Overall Vongratsavay enjoyed her time
playing tennis at RIC. "I am going to miss being a part of a
team, most people come here go to work and don’t do anything else.
Tennis is my one connection to RIC." |
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Vongratsavay still has one more year of
academics to complete at RIC, and we may not have heard the last of
her yet. "Maybe I will pick up another sport." |