The most successful tennis dynasty in the nation has another chance for glory this weekend. Pandas Tennis can become the third UofA program to win five-consecutive national titles, as they head to Montreal for the 2024 Canadian University Tennis Championship. 

Alberta will see Dalhousie in the national final on Friday afternoon, with Toronto and Laval meeting on the other half of the draw. 

CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE (all times MOUNTAIN)

Friday, August 9
1:00 p.m.: Semifinal #1 — #1 Alberta vs #4 Dalhousie
1:00 p.m.:  Semifinal #2 — #2 Toronto vs #3 Laval
 
Sunday, August 11
7:00 a.m.: Bronze Match — Loser of Semifinal #1 vs Loser of Semifinal #2
10:00 a.m.: National Final — Winner Semifinal #1 vs Winner Semifinal #2

The winners of four-straight Tennis Canada national titles, the Pandas can become the first team since Pandas Rugby (1999-2003) to win five-straight championships. Pandas Volleyball (1995-00) and Pandas Gymnastics (1988-91) are the only other teams to win four-straight national championships in University of Alberta history. 

The 2023 title for Pandas Tennis was arguably the hardest of their current run, with Alberta defeating Western 4-3 in the national final. The Pandas trailed 3-1, before storming back, eventually stealing the national title in a third-set tie-break.

"We are always feeling the pressure on if we can do it again," said Pandas head coach Ivan Quintero, who has been with the Pandas for the entirety of their title run. During their current national title streak, the Pandas own a 33-1 win/loss record, dating back to the start of the 2018/19 season. Over those four years, the Pandas are 162-41 combined in singles and doubles matches.

Among the key returning athletes for the Pandas is two-time national championship MVP Emma Rutherford and 2023 tournament all-star Alexandra Jewitt, who clinched the 2023 title over Western in the tie-break.

"I don't think [2023] could have been any closer than it was. 7-4 in that third-set tie-breaker. Everyone fought super hard, and we ended up winning," said Rutherford. "The other teams are a little tired of us winning, so we are going to have to fight really hard for it, but I have full confidence in our team." 

While the championship is still operated by Tennis Canada, this will be the first tennis championship under the U SPORTS umbrella.