Tucson, AZ, 2/26/23
The USHA proudly hosted the 70th USHA National Collegiate Championships at the Tucson Racquet Club on the last weekend in February, as 175 men’s and women’s collegiate players from thirty colleges in the U.S., Canada, and Ireland traveled to Tucson from college handball’s premiere event.
Team Title: Minnesota State Mankato
Men’s Team Title: Minnesota State Mankato
Women’s Team Title: Missouri State
Men’s Open Singles
Shanne Dunne entered the 2023 USHA National Collegiate Championships as one of Minnesota State Mankato’s three-headed trio of stars. Dunne’s quest for the title did not start favorably, as he found himself down 5-16 in the first and second games of his opening round match against John Bike. Dunne eventually battled back to win two close games against the third-generation star.
Dunne narrowly escaped his quarterfinal with fellow Irishman Connor Walsh, withstanding an injury timeout in a nearly 40-minute tiebreaker that saw him two points from defeat at 9-9.
Dunne’s level improved dramatically following his quarterfinal escape, as he ousted teammate Ray Ure in a lopsided tiebreaker to advance to the final.
Dunne took control in the final against last year’s USHA National Collegiate finalist Diarmuid Mulkerrins, dominating the front court against last week’s Race 4 Eight quarterfinalist. Known for his 60×30 prowess in Ireland, Dunne showcased his impressive Irish whip from the back court and paddle kills in the front court to take game one in the final and build a 15-0 lead in game two. Mulkerrins mounted a charge, scoring nine consecutive points to cut Dunne’s lead to six, but Dunne remained composed, scoring six of the final seven points of the match to win his biggest title in the U.S.
Quarterfinals
Mulkerrins def I. Burgos 21-6, 21-1
Ure def A. Walsh 21-5, 21-12
Doyle def T. O’Neill 21-17, 21-4
Dunne def C. Walsh 17-21, 21-9, 11-9
Semifinals
Mulkerrins def M. Doyle 21-17, 14-21, 11-8
Dunne def R. Ure 21-10, 9-21, 11-2
Final: S. Dunne def D. Mulkerrins 21-13, 21-10
Women’s Open Singles
Niamh Heffernan entered the 2013 USHA National Collegiate Championships as the top seed, having won the 19-and-under at the 2018 World Handball Championships in Minnesota and entering Tucson with the reputation as one of the best women’s players in the world.
Heffernan advanced to the final without dropping a game against a strong women’s field. Only Aoife Holden managed to score double digit points against Heffernan in their Saturday semifinal, as NH was dominant en route to Sunday’s showcase.
2023 WPH WR48 New Orleans finalist Clodagh Munroe awaited Heffernan in the final, having also advanced to the final without dropping a game. Heffernan was too strong for Munroe in the final, winning the title in two dominant games.
Quarterfinals
Heffernan def L. Mingue 21-9, 21-12
Holden def H. Hynes 21-12, 13-21, 11-4
Bourke def S. Meagher
Munroe def S. Treacy 21-13, 21-14
Semifinals
Heffernan def A. Holden 21-19, 21-7
Munroe def C. Bourke 21-19, 21-20
Final: N. Heffernan def C. Munroe 21-8, 21-8
Thank you to the USHA’s Matt Krueger, Sam Esser, Gary Cruz, Jeff Wall, Tom Sove, and all of the volunteers and coaches who ensured that each of the collegiate handball players played at least three matches and enjoyed an outstanding experience in Tucson.
Follow all of the brackets HERE
Watch the matches on the USHA YouTube channel HERE
For much more on the 70th USHA National Collegiate Championships, visit ushandball.org
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer