On Sunday, Oct. 30, Villanova’s sorority Alpha Chi Omega hosted its third annual Alpha Chi Open. First held in Fall 2020, when COVID-19 made it difficult to hold in person events, the Alpha Chi Open is an outdoor tennis tournament to raise funds and awareness for those affected by domestic violence.
The event was coordinated by the Alpha Chi Omega Philanthropy Committee, led by AXO VP of  Philanthropy, senior Emma Rivas-Vasquez, and supported by AXO Domestic Violence Awareness Week Chair, junior Sadie Miller.

“The Open is an all-day tennis tournament, during which those playing raise money for the Laurel House of PA, which houses women and children affected by domestic violence, and play for prizes,” Rivas-Vasquez said. “In total, AXO raised over $2,000 for the Laurel House, but more importantly, raised awareness to the prevalence of domestic violence and how to support one another through difficult times.”

Miller helped Rivas-Vasquez coordinate the day and played in the tournament as well.

“Helping Emma run DVA Week and the Open was so much fun and so rewarding,” Miller said. “Playing in the tournament itself was a blast, and it was so great to see AXO and other members of the Villanova community come together for such a great cause.”

The tournament itself consisted of 52 competing teams and three initial rounds, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. The tournament was co-ed and open to all skill levels. Each team consisted of two partners, and each pair registers as beginner, advanced or intermediate to determine how the bracket is built.

The weather was beautiful on Sunday, with temperatures in the high 60s, a perfect fall day for some tennis. Games started on Sunday morning at 11:15 a.m., and the tournament wrapped up around 3:15 p.m.. James Foxen and Jack Macaspac took home the title of AXO Open Champs after an 11-7 win over Ryan Nguyen and Joanna Konopka in the finals. They took home a prize basket filled with a $45 gift card to Athleta, a $25 gift card to Bryn Mawr Running Company, two free soul cycle rides, an OrangeTheory swag bag, a 9R Kickboxing swag bag, nutritional goodies and more.

Other awards were also given. Alessandra Tomas and Kelton Frimel won “Best Dressed,” Jack Klein and Connor Wall won “Most Spirited” and Lauren Ghong and Jessica Laino won “Best Sportsmanship.” Overall, the day was a great success and a strong end to Alpha Chi Omega’s Domestic Violence Awareness Week.