Day 2 of the Club Championships Doubles began with most matches going according to form, and one unfortunate default. The default of Joy Jones and Mondee Breton, who missed their 10am start time, vaulted the team of Norma Schuyler and Bonnie Graham into the Women’s Ball Bashers semifinals without having struck a ball.
Without the benefit of a match played in the swirling winds, Norma and Bonnie did not have their A-games when they faced No.2 seeds Lee Tice and Mary Harrington in the semis. A-games were absolutely necessary, given the fact that Lee and Mary had soundly defeated a pretty good team in Joan Palermo and Karen Ackert, 6-1, 6-0 in the quarters, after Joan and Karen had defeated Caroline Cunningham and Helen Rogers in the previous round by the score of 6-3, 6-4. Lee and Mary advanced to the final by beating Norma and Bonnie 6-0, 6-1.
The other team in the Women’s Ball Bashers final, Judy Wilson and Lili Canfield had a much more difficult time reaching the final. After a good test in their first match of the day against Ann Tate and Daun Dessak (6-3, 6-4), they eked out a third set tiebreak in the semis against Angela Mitrisin and Anna Pitts.
Angela and Anna did not go quietly after losing the first set 3-6. They rallied to take the second set 6-4, and battled Singles Champion Judy and Lili all the way before dropping the breaker. Considering that Angela and Anna had not played together before this event, and had won a hard-fought 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 three-setter over Randy Thomas-Wohl and Sandi Hill earlier in the day, their effort against tomorrow’s finalists warrant major kudos. As with the other finals to be played, this one should be captivating.
In the Men’s Ball Bashers, Jake Keltner and Eddie Dance squeaked past Richard Edelman and Jim King 6-1, 6-7, 6-3 in the quarters, only to run into No.1 seeds Bill Wright and Tim Jones, who had little trouble dispatching Brian “The Hammer” Hammermeister and Jack “The Doctor” Noble, 6-0, 6-1 in their quarterfinal match. It’s safe to say that The Hammer didn’t do much pounding this time around.
First time partners Maxwell Thompson and John Hess outhustled the veteran team of Bill Cole and Bob Pleischl, 7-5, 6-2 in the quarterfinals to setup a matchup with No.2 seeds Rich Fox and Tim Baldwin in the semis. Rich and Tim faced a strong challenge from Frank Kaplan and Jim Rollero in the quarters, but emerged with the 7-5, 6-3 victory.
Maxwell and John continued their stellar play in the semis, eliminating Rich and Tim in straight sets (7-5, 6-3). They will face Bill Wright and Tim Jones, the No.1 seeds, who continued to outpace the competition. Bill, last year’s Ball Bashers Singles Champion, and Tim beat Jake Keltner and Eddie Dance in straight sets as well, but Jake and Eddie made them sweat a little in the second set. Final score: 6-1, 7-5.
Thompson and Hess have youth on their side, but after observing a few amazing gets by Tim today, I’m not sure how much of a factor that youth will be. If you are a gambler, you can bet that this Ball Bashers Final is going to a third set.
In the Women’s All Aces, Sunni Hammermeister and Judy Schafft tried to pull off their second consecutive come-from-behind win to reach the final, but fell short. After coming back from a first-set deficit in the quarters (6-7, 6-2, 6-1) against Carlotta Clark and Bev Adams, Sunni and Judy fell behind 1-4 to Carole Shapiro and Jane Heck, who eliminated Diane and Wennie Johannes 7-5, 6-1 in their previous match.
From the point of the 1-4 deficit, Sunni and Judy reeled off five consecutive games to win the first set 6-4. However, Carole and Jane found their stride in the second set and never looked back. They advanced to the final winning the final two sets 6-1, 6-1.
In other Women’s All Aces action, Sandy Gebara and Amy Ciarrocchi put the finishing touches on their quarterfinal match against Monica Robb and Pam Lemon (6-2, 6-4), before taking on the No.1 seeds, Jemin Martinsen and Kathy Lanzalotta. Sandy and Amy cruised through the 6-2 first set, but Jemin and Kathy stepped it up in the second, winning it 6-4. The third set stayed close until 3-3, before Kathy and Jemin pulled away to win it 6-3 in the third.
The match was terrific and it offered an illustration of how important it is to keep score in your matches. In the second set, Kathy was serving at 2-3, 30-30, and she and Jemin lost the next two points, which should have resulted in Sandy and Amy winning the game to get back on serve at 3-3.
Apparently no one realized that the game had ended, and Kathy produced a service winner on the next point, and she and Jemin won the game to go up 4-2. Whether accurate keeping of the score in that game would have affected the outcome no one can know. However, most players would rather be at 3-3 as opposed to 2-4. Keep and call your score after every point!
The first upset of the day occurred in the Men’s All Aces. No.2 seeds Pete McElroy and Ed Bonkowski fell to Alan Canfield, Jr. and Arnie Wohl in straight sets (6-3, 6-4). The No.1 seeds in the All Aces, Chip Graddy and Geoff Negin received a scare from Greg and Grey Pilant, but were able to meet the challenge. Greg and Grey got the jump on Chip and Geoff, winning the first set 6-2, but weren’t able to hold off the Singles Champion and Finalist, who took the final two sets, 6-1, 6-3.
The Women’s Court Crashers provided two terrific comebacks, and two serious candidates for “Match of the Day” honors. Jayme Lewis and Meg Jacobs came back after losing the first set at love, to win the final two 6-4, 6-2 over April Burkholder and Ilona Starr.
Jayme and Meg will face Sally Mellendorf and Sharon Bock, who beat Ann Wright and Stephanie Freeman in another three-set war that was over two and a half hours long. Sally and Sharon lost the first set in a tiebreak after a seesaw battle throughout the set, took the second set 6-3, and were neck and neck with Ann and Stephanie through 4-4 in the third before prevailing 6-4.
The Men’s Court Crashers didn’t produce the level of drama experienced in the other divisions, but you will not find a more diverse final as far as games go. On one side of the net you have the gentle giant in Tom VanWyk (not so gentle on the court), who is teamed with Manny Lima, the former professional soccer player who one might call “altitude challenged.” On the other, you have Tony Cupaiuolo, “The Running Professor” with his self-crafted game who partners with the Peter Malen, a former accomplished NCAA swimmer.
Tom and Manny, the No.1 seeds, downed the volatile Jim Masiello and his stoic partner George Olsen 7-5, 6-2 in the semis, while Peter and Tony upset No.2 seeds Bill Crouch and Ron Jones 7-6, 6-3 to make the final.
The finals start at 9am tomorrow (Sunday) and for a full review of the draws and starting times, go to the Tennis page of the Club Website.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Club Championship Doubles off Wet but Good Start
The Women’s Ball Bashers got the Club Championships Doubles ball rolling with Randy Wohl and Sandi Hill prevailing over the spunky team of Nancy Davis and Marvel Jones. According to Mrs. Jones (with whom I do not have a thing going on), her game wasn’t as “Marvelous” as it was during their league match win yesterday. The only other Women’s Ball Bashers match completed on schedule today was Joy Jones and Mondee Breton’s 6-2, 7-5 win over the always fiesty, former Singles Champion Martha Deleeuw and her partner Linda Gardiner.
One other match in the Women’s Ball Bashers got underway but soon was under water and rescheduled for tomorrow morning (see tennis page of Club website for scheduling details). Newcomers Sadie Forchelli and Sophia Phelps (who is regretting having to give up her tee time tomorrow) had won the first set 6-1 and were up 3-2 before the deluge dropped on them. The winner will face No.1 seeds Judy Wilson and Lili Canfield (Happy Birthday Lili!) next.
The Men Ball Bashers also managed to complete two matches, with one of those matches taking home “Match of the Day” honors. First-time participant Brian "The Hammer" Hammermeister teamed with "The Doctor," Jack Noble, to claim the 1-6, 7-6, 7-5 victory over Chuck Klucka and Len Ciarrocchi, after falling well behind. The Hammer and The Doctor will meet top seeds Bill Wright and Tim Jones next.
Making their debut in the Ball Bashers were Jim Rollero and Frank Kaplan. After cruising to a 6-1 first set, they held on to beat last minute entrants, Bill Otey and Ron Graham, 6-4 in the second. They have their work cut out for them next round as they face the crafty duo of Rich Fox and Tim Baldwin.
An interesting match-up in this division will be Singles Champion Maxwell Thompson and Singles Finalist John Hess, teaming up to face the experienced team of Bill Cole and Bob Pleischl. Both Maxwell and John have improved their games considerably this year, Bill appears to be almost fully recovered from his shoulder injury, and Bob has played more tennis than anyone over the past several months. It ought to be fun!
Still in the Men's Ball Bashers, no match is likely to be any more competitive than the Rich Edelman and Jim King pairing taking on Jake Keltner and Eddie Dance. With Eddie and Rich patrolling the net, Jim bashing groundstrokes and Jake counterpunching, a three-setter would be no surprise here.
The Women’s All Aces had two matches halted by the rain. Carole Shapiro and, yet another newcomer, Jane Heck, led 6-5 in the first set over Diane and Wennie Johannes (our only mother-daughter team) before the stoppage. They are on-serve, however, with Wennie serving to stay in the set. Equally tight was the match between No.2 seeds Sunni Hammermeister and Judy Schafft, who were locked in a fierce skirmish with Carlotta Clark and Bev Adams. The score was 5-5 with Carlotta’s serve on tap.
One other Women’s All Aces match was in progress before suspension of play. The rain may have provided last year’s Ball Bashers Champions who moved up, Monica Robb and Pam Lemon, a much-needed reprieve, as they were trailing Sandi Gebara and Amy Ciarrocchi 2-6, 3-4. However, they were on serve in the second set, so perhaps the stoppage was not welcomed. We shall see tomorrow as Monica and Pam try to push the match into a third set, while Sandi and Amy try to finish strong.
The Court Crashers men and women saw their first action today as well. In a match that was perhaps even closer than it sounds, Jim Masiello and George Olsen edged Charlie Beagan and Rick Jacobs, 6-3, 7-5. Charlie and Rick can feel very good about this loss, because we are certain that Kathy Masiello will have a much nicer evening due to the result. Of course, we suspect Meg might suggest that Rick visit the couch tonight, because she doesn’t want any losing vibes to rub off on her before she plays her first match tomorrow.
In other Men’s Court Crashers action, Peter Malen and Tony Cupaiuolo encountered a stiff first-set challenge from “The Dons,” Don Mattcheck and Don Pitts, before solving the riddle in the second set and finishing off a 6-4, 6-0 victory. Always the gracious in victory and defeat, Tony remarked, “If we could put together Don Mattcheck’s strokes and my legs…” Malen and Cupaiuolo take on No.2 seeds Bill crouch and Ron Jones tomorrow afternoon.
The Women Court Crashers played one match today with Stephanie Freeman and Ann Wright squeaking by Linda Riedl and Jean sanders 6-4, 6-4. Stephanie and Ann were down 0-40 at 4-4 in the second set, with Linda and Jean threatening to push it into a third, before coming back to hold serve, and breaking to wrap up the win. Their match against No.1 seeds Sally “No Mercy” Mellendorf and Sharon Bock ought to be a candidate for "Match of the Day" tomorrow.
Taking to the courts for the first time on the same side of the net will be All Aces Club Champion Chip Graddy and All Aces Finalist and former All Aces Club Champion Geoff Negin. They will trade heavy blows across the net with Greg and Grey Pilant, our only father-son team. There’s a rumor going around that the mother-daughter team of Johannes-Johannes issued a challenge to the Pilant-Pilant duo, but have yet to receive a response.
In any event, the winner of the Graddy/Negin-Pilant/Pilant battle will take on the winner of the match featuring the team of Alan Canfield, Jr. and Arnie Wohl against Pete McElroy and Ed Bonkowski. They say that styles make fights in boxing, and this contest will certainly involve contrasting styles. The attacking game of Pete and Ed versus the counterpunching techniques of Alan and Arnie will be on display tomorrow at noon if the weather holds.
We anticipate some excellent matches tomorrow through the finals on Sunday, so if you are a lover of the game, we look forward to seeing you at Gulf Harbour’s tennis center this weekend. Until next, game, set, match…
One other match in the Women’s Ball Bashers got underway but soon was under water and rescheduled for tomorrow morning (see tennis page of Club website for scheduling details). Newcomers Sadie Forchelli and Sophia Phelps (who is regretting having to give up her tee time tomorrow) had won the first set 6-1 and were up 3-2 before the deluge dropped on them. The winner will face No.1 seeds Judy Wilson and Lili Canfield (Happy Birthday Lili!) next.
The Men Ball Bashers also managed to complete two matches, with one of those matches taking home “Match of the Day” honors. First-time participant Brian "The Hammer" Hammermeister teamed with "The Doctor," Jack Noble, to claim the 1-6, 7-6, 7-5 victory over Chuck Klucka and Len Ciarrocchi, after falling well behind. The Hammer and The Doctor will meet top seeds Bill Wright and Tim Jones next.
Making their debut in the Ball Bashers were Jim Rollero and Frank Kaplan. After cruising to a 6-1 first set, they held on to beat last minute entrants, Bill Otey and Ron Graham, 6-4 in the second. They have their work cut out for them next round as they face the crafty duo of Rich Fox and Tim Baldwin.
An interesting match-up in this division will be Singles Champion Maxwell Thompson and Singles Finalist John Hess, teaming up to face the experienced team of Bill Cole and Bob Pleischl. Both Maxwell and John have improved their games considerably this year, Bill appears to be almost fully recovered from his shoulder injury, and Bob has played more tennis than anyone over the past several months. It ought to be fun!
Still in the Men's Ball Bashers, no match is likely to be any more competitive than the Rich Edelman and Jim King pairing taking on Jake Keltner and Eddie Dance. With Eddie and Rich patrolling the net, Jim bashing groundstrokes and Jake counterpunching, a three-setter would be no surprise here.
The Women’s All Aces had two matches halted by the rain. Carole Shapiro and, yet another newcomer, Jane Heck, led 6-5 in the first set over Diane and Wennie Johannes (our only mother-daughter team) before the stoppage. They are on-serve, however, with Wennie serving to stay in the set. Equally tight was the match between No.2 seeds Sunni Hammermeister and Judy Schafft, who were locked in a fierce skirmish with Carlotta Clark and Bev Adams. The score was 5-5 with Carlotta’s serve on tap.
One other Women’s All Aces match was in progress before suspension of play. The rain may have provided last year’s Ball Bashers Champions who moved up, Monica Robb and Pam Lemon, a much-needed reprieve, as they were trailing Sandi Gebara and Amy Ciarrocchi 2-6, 3-4. However, they were on serve in the second set, so perhaps the stoppage was not welcomed. We shall see tomorrow as Monica and Pam try to push the match into a third set, while Sandi and Amy try to finish strong.
The Court Crashers men and women saw their first action today as well. In a match that was perhaps even closer than it sounds, Jim Masiello and George Olsen edged Charlie Beagan and Rick Jacobs, 6-3, 7-5. Charlie and Rick can feel very good about this loss, because we are certain that Kathy Masiello will have a much nicer evening due to the result. Of course, we suspect Meg might suggest that Rick visit the couch tonight, because she doesn’t want any losing vibes to rub off on her before she plays her first match tomorrow.
In other Men’s Court Crashers action, Peter Malen and Tony Cupaiuolo encountered a stiff first-set challenge from “The Dons,” Don Mattcheck and Don Pitts, before solving the riddle in the second set and finishing off a 6-4, 6-0 victory. Always the gracious in victory and defeat, Tony remarked, “If we could put together Don Mattcheck’s strokes and my legs…” Malen and Cupaiuolo take on No.2 seeds Bill crouch and Ron Jones tomorrow afternoon.
The Women Court Crashers played one match today with Stephanie Freeman and Ann Wright squeaking by Linda Riedl and Jean sanders 6-4, 6-4. Stephanie and Ann were down 0-40 at 4-4 in the second set, with Linda and Jean threatening to push it into a third, before coming back to hold serve, and breaking to wrap up the win. Their match against No.1 seeds Sally “No Mercy” Mellendorf and Sharon Bock ought to be a candidate for "Match of the Day" tomorrow.
Taking to the courts for the first time on the same side of the net will be All Aces Club Champion Chip Graddy and All Aces Finalist and former All Aces Club Champion Geoff Negin. They will trade heavy blows across the net with Greg and Grey Pilant, our only father-son team. There’s a rumor going around that the mother-daughter team of Johannes-Johannes issued a challenge to the Pilant-Pilant duo, but have yet to receive a response.
In any event, the winner of the Graddy/Negin-Pilant/Pilant battle will take on the winner of the match featuring the team of Alan Canfield, Jr. and Arnie Wohl against Pete McElroy and Ed Bonkowski. They say that styles make fights in boxing, and this contest will certainly involve contrasting styles. The attacking game of Pete and Ed versus the counterpunching techniques of Alan and Arnie will be on display tomorrow at noon if the weather holds.
We anticipate some excellent matches tomorrow through the finals on Sunday, so if you are a lover of the game, we look forward to seeing you at Gulf Harbour’s tennis center this weekend. Until next, game, set, match…
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Up Next in Tennis
If you missed the excitement of the Club Championships Singles event or the camaraderie of the Tennis Family Night Dinner, do not fear, some more scintillating tennis entertainment is almost here.
Doubles Championships
Next up on the Club’s tennis scene is the Club Championships Men’s and Women’s Doubles events. To date, we have 20 women's and 14 men’s teams registered for the events, significantly more participants than we saw in the singles.
With several newcomers in the mix this year, it will be a challenge for Defending Champions to hold onto their titles. The February 2nd deadline is approaching fast (8 days), so if you haven’t yet registered, get yourself a partner and get some practice together before the event. You can enter online by clicking here.
Memorial Foundation Event
Shortly after we crown the Club’s Men’s and Women’s Doubles Champions, one of the more important tennis events of the year will come to Gulf Harbour’s courts. On Saturday, February 20, the Gulf Harbour Memorial Foundation’s fundraising effort will be sparked by a tennis funfest, including competitions, auctions, raffles, and more.
Themed “Up, Up and Away,” this year’s fundraising activities could push the Foundation’s historic fundraising efforts over the $1 million mark. Our tennis members have contributed significantly in the past and we are hoping to top last year’s mark.
Thanks to the generosity of several members, with Bill and Ann Wright, Bernie and Penny Klotz, Rick and Meg Jacobs, and Jim & Kathy Masiello among the most generous, we raised several thousand for our neighbors in Harlem Heights. This year’s proceeds will go to Lee Memorial Cardiac Care, United Veterans of Lee County, and CCMI, Inc. which supplies meals to some of the less fortunate populations in Lee County.
Members Corner
There are so many of our tennis members fighting heroic battles, particularly with health issues of their own or their loved ones that I think we could dedicate an entire blog to those in need of our support and positive energy. However, given time and space constraints, I'd just like to mention that our Tennis Committee Chairperson, Bob Ostrom, and Team Captains Connie Hess, and Sally Mellendorf are particularly in need of our support.
On a brighter note, Pam Lemon and Robin Correnti
demonstrated their athletic prowess and versatility by capturing the Member-Member Golf event this past weekend. Congratulations are certainly in order for that accomplishment.
Team Report
Gulf Harbour's teams continue to do more than hold their own in the Lee County women's and men's leagues. Leading the way for our women is our 3.0-Minus team, which has stretched its division lead to 30 points, despite injuries to Captain Jenny King. Also dominating their division are the ladies of our 50-Plus Bronze team, who are tightening their grip on first place. They lead the next best team by 27 points.
Our 3.0 Double Trouble team is now in second place by three points after holding the division lead for much of the first half of the season. They should be in the hunt for first all the way to the end despite the injury to Co-Captain Linda VanWyk.
Other top-five women's teams include the Defending Champion 50-Plus Gold team, which is 14 points behind the division leader, and solidly in third. With about half the season yet to be played, a repeat is still within reach. The 3.5-Minus Sure Shots are clinging to fifth, although they have slipped from the second-place slot they held at last report.
Our final top-five women's team is the 50-plus Silver Belles, which climbed three spots to fourth position since the last update. Although not in the top-five, the 50-Plus Silver Strings desrve mention for having climbed six spots to break into the top ten for the first time this season. They now hold the eighth spot.
Our 50-Plus men's teams continue to represent the Club with distinction as well. Our White-A team is holding tight to the four-point lead it has held for the past five weeks of play, and are playing as though they have no intentions of losing ground. On the strength of a sweep in their last match, the 69-ers of the 70-Plus League have eased into second place, and trail the first place team by only one point.
The Red-A team is tied for second, but slipped further behind the No.1 team, which now leads by five points. After clinging to first place for much of the season, Blue-B has dropped into a second-place tie after losing three of four individual matches to the new division leader last time out. The deficit is only one point so there is no need for alarm.
White-C currently sits in third, but has some major catching up to do if it is to catch the leader; and Blue-B is clinging to the top-five, sitting tied for fifth with Legends. Remember, you can find our teams' home schedule by going to the Tennis Teams & Leagues page of the Club website.
Your Pros
Your pros will be back in Pro League action ths Friday at Bonita Bay. Joel's second-place team will take on Mike's third-place team, and T. A.'s league-trailing squad will face the league leaders. T. A.'s team closed the gap a wee bit last match by beating Mike's team six points to four, and will be seeking to gain some more ground this week.
Tennis on TV
If watching Pro League isn't enough for you, the Australian Open has offered up some awesome play thus far. They are into the quarterfinals with the best players in the world battling for the decade's first Grand Slam. Click here for the Australian Open television schedule.
Until the next time, remember that in doubles, every ball is your ball unless your partner gets there first or is position to hit a better shot! game, set, match...
Doubles Championships
Next up on the Club’s tennis scene is the Club Championships Men’s and Women’s Doubles events. To date, we have 20 women's and 14 men’s teams registered for the events, significantly more participants than we saw in the singles.
With several newcomers in the mix this year, it will be a challenge for Defending Champions to hold onto their titles. The February 2nd deadline is approaching fast (8 days), so if you haven’t yet registered, get yourself a partner and get some practice together before the event. You can enter online by clicking here.
Memorial Foundation Event
Shortly after we crown the Club’s Men’s and Women’s Doubles Champions, one of the more important tennis events of the year will come to Gulf Harbour’s courts. On Saturday, February 20, the Gulf Harbour Memorial Foundation’s fundraising effort will be sparked by a tennis funfest, including competitions, auctions, raffles, and more.
Themed “Up, Up and Away,” this year’s fundraising activities could push the Foundation’s historic fundraising efforts over the $1 million mark. Our tennis members have contributed significantly in the past and we are hoping to top last year’s mark.
Thanks to the generosity of several members, with Bill and Ann Wright, Bernie and Penny Klotz, Rick and Meg Jacobs, and Jim & Kathy Masiello among the most generous, we raised several thousand for our neighbors in Harlem Heights. This year’s proceeds will go to Lee Memorial Cardiac Care, United Veterans of Lee County, and CCMI, Inc. which supplies meals to some of the less fortunate populations in Lee County.
Members Corner
There are so many of our tennis members fighting heroic battles, particularly with health issues of their own or their loved ones that I think we could dedicate an entire blog to those in need of our support and positive energy. However, given time and space constraints, I'd just like to mention that our Tennis Committee Chairperson, Bob Ostrom, and Team Captains Connie Hess, and Sally Mellendorf are particularly in need of our support.
On a brighter note, Pam Lemon and Robin Correnti
demonstrated their athletic prowess and versatility by capturing the Member-Member Golf event this past weekend. Congratulations are certainly in order for that accomplishment.
Team Report
Gulf Harbour's teams continue to do more than hold their own in the Lee County women's and men's leagues. Leading the way for our women is our 3.0-Minus team, which has stretched its division lead to 30 points, despite injuries to Captain Jenny King. Also dominating their division are the ladies of our 50-Plus Bronze team, who are tightening their grip on first place. They lead the next best team by 27 points.
Our 3.0 Double Trouble team is now in second place by three points after holding the division lead for much of the first half of the season. They should be in the hunt for first all the way to the end despite the injury to Co-Captain Linda VanWyk.
Other top-five women's teams include the Defending Champion 50-Plus Gold team, which is 14 points behind the division leader, and solidly in third. With about half the season yet to be played, a repeat is still within reach. The 3.5-Minus Sure Shots are clinging to fifth, although they have slipped from the second-place slot they held at last report.
Our final top-five women's team is the 50-plus Silver Belles, which climbed three spots to fourth position since the last update. Although not in the top-five, the 50-Plus Silver Strings desrve mention for having climbed six spots to break into the top ten for the first time this season. They now hold the eighth spot.
Our 50-Plus men's teams continue to represent the Club with distinction as well. Our White-A team is holding tight to the four-point lead it has held for the past five weeks of play, and are playing as though they have no intentions of losing ground. On the strength of a sweep in their last match, the 69-ers of the 70-Plus League have eased into second place, and trail the first place team by only one point.
The Red-A team is tied for second, but slipped further behind the No.1 team, which now leads by five points. After clinging to first place for much of the season, Blue-B has dropped into a second-place tie after losing three of four individual matches to the new division leader last time out. The deficit is only one point so there is no need for alarm.
White-C currently sits in third, but has some major catching up to do if it is to catch the leader; and Blue-B is clinging to the top-five, sitting tied for fifth with Legends. Remember, you can find our teams' home schedule by going to the Tennis Teams & Leagues page of the Club website.
Your Pros
Your pros will be back in Pro League action ths Friday at Bonita Bay. Joel's second-place team will take on Mike's third-place team, and T. A.'s league-trailing squad will face the league leaders. T. A.'s team closed the gap a wee bit last match by beating Mike's team six points to four, and will be seeking to gain some more ground this week.
Tennis on TV
If watching Pro League isn't enough for you, the Australian Open has offered up some awesome play thus far. They are into the quarterfinals with the best players in the world battling for the decade's first Grand Slam. Click here for the Australian Open television schedule.
Until the next time, remember that in doubles, every ball is your ball unless your partner gets there first or is position to hit a better shot! game, set, match...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Tennis Club Championships Update
Despite temperatures requiring apparel uncommon in southwest Florida, two of the five Club Championship tennis events being contested were completed today. Jemin Martinsen repeated as Women’s All Aces Champion with a win 6-1, 7-5 win over Randy Thomas-Wohl, and Frank Kaplan continued his red hot play by winning the Men’s Court Crashers division in a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Tony Cupaiuolo.
Jemin overcame the wind and cold, a tender groin, and a second set push by Randy, who battled to a 5-4 lead before succumbing to Jemin’s tenacity, the elements and a strained glute. Fresh off his undefeated campaign that led to his claiming the Men’s Singles Ladder Group-B title, Frank remained patient and held it together despite Tony’s three-game run after Frank had taken a 5-0 lead. Chances are that Frank will be challenging for the Ball Basher Championship next season.
For those not familiar with the levels of play in our Club Championships, the highest level of play in the Club Championships is the All Aces division, and includes players who are rated 4.0 minus and above in local leagues and identified as such by the tennis staff. At the second level of play are the Ball Bashers, who are rated 3.0 through 3.5; and the third level are the Court Crashers, who are rated 2.0 through 3.0.
In other Club Championship action, Women’s Ball Bashers Defending Champion, Martha Deleeuw, closed out Ann Wright 6-2, 6-2 in a quarterfinal match that began on Friday. She then went on to topple talented newcomer Angela Mitrisin in a frigid three-set semifinal struggle, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. Martha will face another skilled first-year member, Judy Wilson in the final on Tuesday evening at 4pm. Judy eclipsed Joy Jones in her semifinal match, 6-1, 6-1 and should provide Martha with all the competition she could handle.
In today’s Men’s Ball Bashers semifinal, John Hess, who had been undefeated in the Men’s Singles Ladder before a tough loss to Frank Kaplan, took out Defending Champion Bill Wright in three sets to setup an interesting match-up with Maxwell Thompson. After cruising to a 6-0 first set, John came back from a 3-5-deficit to force a tiebreak in the second. Bill’s mental toughness got him through the tiebreak, but he couldn’t get past his lingering injuries and John’s terrific shot-making.
After posting a perfect score against the always-tough Tim Baldwin, Maxwell, along with Frank, has to be a contender for the title of “Most Improved Player” this season. Given John’s superb play since he’s returned from Wisconsin and Maxwell’s enhanced game, we can expect a match worth watching this coming Tuesday at 4pm.
The Men’s All Aces Champion, Geoff Negin, also faced a stiff challenge to his title defense. Geoff and Chuck Klucka took to the courts at 11am before the temperature had climbed to 40 degrees and while the wind chill was still in the low 30s, but it didn’t take very long for the tennis to heat up. After going down 2-6 to the champ, Chuck fought back to post a 6-3 second-set win. However; Geoff’s solid game and championship experience stood him in good stead, and he will have the opportunity to win back-to-back Club Championships when he faces Chip Graddy on Thursday evening at 6pm.
Chip faced Tim Jones in his All Aces semifinal match, and prevailed 6-1, 6-2. Tim must be given a tremendous amount of credit for coming out on a cold, windy morning to face a player with a tremendous height (at least 7 inches), and youth (at least 2.5 decades) advantage. Tim’s inscrutable expression belied the heavy odds against him, and he threw everything he had at Chip. However, Chip’s powerful, attacking game was a bit much for Tim, and it will be interesting to see how it matches up on Thursday against Geoff’s consistent, strategic style.
All in all, despite the diminished number of participants and spectators, and the uncooperative weather, the singles event has been entertaining and it promises to be even more so with the final matches yet to come. We expect better weather and better participation for the Doubles event of the Club Championships beginning February 5th, so get your partner on the courts to practice, and if you aren’t playing, come on out to watch some fun competition.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Gulf Harbour Tennis in 2010
As 2010 gets underway, a number of our members who have faced major challenges in 2009 continue to battle difficult circumstances. Your pros are happy to be able to provide a program where, in instances where physical limitation isn't an issue, playing our favorite game offers a temporary distraction. In cases where physical limitation is present, we hope that watching teammates and friends play can be a diversion from some of the more stressful elements of life. With that in mind, let's take a look at the happenings around your tennis courts.
Tennis Events
The 2009- 2010 Tennis Club Championships Men’s and Women’s Singles events are underway, with Maxwell Thompson winning the first match played in the Men’s Ball Basher division yesterday by a score of 6-1, 6-3 over Brian Hammermeister. However, the true ball bashing was done today in the Women’s Ball Bashers division.
Joy Jones squeaked by Sharon Bock in a 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 thriller, and shortly thereafter newcomer Angela Mitrisin closed out a hard fought battle, edging Anna Pitts by a score of 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. The semis (Saturday) and finals (Sunday) are scheduled for this weekend, but the weather is threatening to bagel the entire event. Players may want to get their semifinal matches in tomorrow if possible.
The Men’s and Women’s Doubles component of the Club Championships event will be held on February 5 – 7. Members can register online or on the bulletin board at the Tennis Center. Soon thereafter, on Saturday February 20, the tennis component of the Gulf Harbour Memorial Foundation will be held. Check online and with the tennis pro shop for details.
Before we get to those events, next up on the tennis agenda is the Tennis Family Night Dinner, one of the best opportunities for new and established members to mingle, and to catch up after being away for the holidays. On Wednesday, January 13th at Johnny Browns, tennis members, spouses, staff, and guests will be gathering at 6pm for cocktails with dinner to follow at 7pm. I certainly enjoyed the most recent tennis Family Night and look forward to the next.
Gulf Harbour Tennis Teams
Gulf Harbour's teams have been very successful to begin the season, but before we delve into the success of our teams, we would like to announce to all LCWTL players and would be players, that a new Captains Council for our LCWTL teams has been formed, and the Council has published some Guidelines that will assist with the formation of LCWTL teams in the future. You can review the Guidelines by clicking here and logging into the Club website.
Now for our stellar team results: Gulf Harbour’s tennis teams continue to excel moving into the 2010. Among the top performers is our 3.0-Minus team, which carried a commanding 17-point lead into the new year. Jenny King and Darlene Mattcheck’s ladies have swept their opponents in three of the seven matches they have played, and have lost only one individual match in the other four matches.
Also serving notice that they intend to reclaim the title they held two seasons ago is Effie Parker and Marianne McElroy’s Bronze team, which has swept its last three matches en route to a 19-point division lead. After a relatively slow start due to some key absences, the Bronze Ladies have reached full strength and will be hard to catch the rest of the way.
Sally Mellendorf and Linda VanWyk’s 3.0 Double Trouble team, which was in the hunt right down to the wire last year for the division title, holds a nine-point lead in its division at the half-way point of the season. To claim the division title Double Trouble will have to overcome some injuries to key players such as Pat Nolan and Linda VanWyk. Yet, having managed to sweep a number of their early matches without Captain “No Mercy” Mellendorf in action, Double Trouble should continue to be a quadruple threat.
Judy Jones and Judy Manzella’s 3.5-Minus Sure Shots have clawed their way into second-place, just one point behind the division leaders. After a bit of heartbreak last season, we can expect the Sure Shots to be in the hunt all the way through the season finale. Due to the team being less than full-strength, Marcia DeVries and Mary Harrington’s 4.0 ladies have slipped from first to second behind a strong Paseo team, and there are five teams within six points of second-place. The team will need to be at full strength if it is to finish among the top teams in one of the LCWTL’s elite divisions.
Also holding on to the No.2 spot in their division are Norma Schuyler and Carlotta Clark’s Golden Girls. A number of factors leading to the unavailability of key players have hurt our Gold team’s effort to repeat as Division Champions. However, despite the 41-point deficit they face (having played one match fewer than the leaders); this team has plenty of talent and grit, so a repeat isn’t out of the question by a long shot.
A determined 4.0-Minus team has worked its way back into the top-five, but is some distance behind the top team, Bonita Bay, which has dropped only three of their 36 individual matches played. However, if our 4.0- ladies can keep everyone healthy and ready to play, they should finish among the top-five teams in this very deep division. Closing out the report of our ladies teams that are lodged among the top-five of their divisions is Teressa Crocker and Wennie Johannes’ 60-Plus team, which sits in fifth-place despite being short-handed through the first five matches of the season.
Gulf Harbour’s men’s teams have also been representing the Club with distinction. Leading the way is Tim Baldwin and Rich Fox’s White-A team, which has opened up a four-point division lead after having been tied for first-place for several weeks.
Tony Cupaiuolo and Bill Crouch’s Blue-B team continues to hang on to the No.1 position by a single point in a very competitive division. Only four points separate the top five teams, but consistent performances by our boys of blue (they’ve won at least three of four individual matches in four of five team matches played) are keeping them one step ahead.
Tony Cupaiuolo and Bill Crouch’s Blue-B team continues to hang on to the No.1 position by a single point in a very competitive division. Only four points separate the top five teams, but consistent performances by our boys of blue (they’ve won at least three of four individual matches in four of five team matches played) are keeping them one step ahead.
George Kane’s Red-A team is second by two points after four matches, and John Hess’ White-C has usurped the second position after winning three of four individual matches in its most recent team match. Jim Masiello and Dave Russ’ Blue-C squad has dropped from third to fifth position as a result of being swept in its last two matches. They will have to pick up the pace if they are to remain in the top-five, because two teams are breathing down their necks, only one point behind.
Demonstrating that Gulf Harbour is competitive at all levels and ages, Terry Brady’s 69-ers of the 70-Plus league begin 2010, and only their second season of play in third position, just three points out of first. If the team stays healthy, they should be able to improve upon their third-place finish in 2009.
Men’s Singles Ladders
The Inaugural season of the Men’s Singles Ladders will be history on Monday, and a historic match was played today for the No.1 spot in the Group-B Ladder. John Hess, who came into the final battle for supremacy with a 5-0 record, faced off against Frank Kaplan, who carried a 4-0 record himself. When the final shot had been struck, Frank, a decided underdog, had claimed honors in Group-B’s inaugural season of the men’s ladder.
It appears as though Geoff Negin, our defending Club Champion, will claim the same historical position in Group-A as he came back from knee surgery to finish with a 3-0 record. Group A played approximately half the matches played by those in Group-B, and this first season just may be the only season for Group-A.
Your Pros
Your pros will be back in USPTA Pro League action at Heritage Palms on Friday, January 15, at 4pm. Joel’s team, Key Private Bank, leads the League by a slim 1 ½-point margin; Mike’s team, Boston Retirement Advisors, are in third-place, trailing the leaders by 8 points; and T. A.’s team, Johnny Malloy’s (AKA Team Geritol) is bringing up the rear, trailing the leaders by 11 ½ points. Yet, with a little more than half the season yet to be played, the outcome is far from decided.
Key Private Bank may be without Joel’s undefeated racquet next Friday, because Joel is scheduled to play in the USTA’s Men’s 4.5 Team Sectionals in Daytona Beach next weekend. Joel’s travel schedule hasn’t been made, however, so he may be available to terrorize the opposition (Mike’s team).
Facilities
Quarterly maintenance of the tennis courts has been completed by Ritzman Tennis and the courts are playing beautifully. Ritzman also found the problem that has short-circuited our water coolers and ball machine use on courts 1 – 4. We should have that problem fixed in the near future.
Game, Set, Match
Well that's about all for this edition of your Gulf Harbour Tennis Blog. We hope that the new year is off to a great start for you and yours, and please keep an eye out for February's Soundings, where Jim Rollero will recap Admiral Bill Casey's luncheon.
Game, Set, Match
Well that's about all for this edition of your Gulf Harbour Tennis Blog. We hope that the new year is off to a great start for you and yours, and please keep an eye out for February's Soundings, where Jim Rollero will recap Admiral Bill Casey's luncheon.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Gulf Harbour Tennis Thanksgiving Update
If you are in anyway connected to Gulf Harbour's tennis program you have a lot for which to be thankful. Our facility is among the best in the area, our engaged and active membership is second to none, and our Board is as supportive of our program as any member-owned board is likely to be at a golf-oriented country club.
In addition to the above, we have a group of dedicated tennis professionals who are as esteemed as any group of professionals in the Southwest Florida tennis community, and we have a strong cadre of teams that are perennially among the best in Lee County. I am personally extremely thankful for the supportive and caring membership with which I am privileged to work. Since there isn't enough time and space here to give adequate thanks, I may as well get on with the update, right?
Lee County Ladies’ Teams
As noted in the last update, Gulf Harbour’s ladies teams have started very strong in the Lee County Women’s Tennis League (LCWTL). As of Sunday, November 22nd, nine of our twelve ladies teams were amongst the top five in their divisions.
Leading the way is Captains Jenny King and Darlene Mattcheck’s 3.0-Minus team which continues to lead its division, stretching their division lead to 16 points after four matches. Their next home match will be Thursday, December 3rd.
A trio of teams sit in second in their divisions. They include the 3.0 Double Trouble team, under the guidance of Sally Mellendorf and Linda VanWyk; Norma Schuyler and Carlotta Clark’s Defending Champion 50-Plus Gold ladies, who trail the division leaders by only two points; and Effie Parker and Marianne McElroy’s 50-Plus Bronze squad. The Bronze ladies trail the division leader by only 8 points, and play next at home on Wednesday, December 9th. Double Trouble’s next home match is against The Forest on Monday, December 7th.
Connie Hess and Pam Lemon’s 4.0-Minus team is maintaining their top-five position, holding steady in third place. Marcia DeVries and Mary Harrington lead the third-place 4.0 women, Gulf Harbour’s highest level LCWTL team. The team has won two of the three contests they have played thus far, and appear to be heading for a terrific season.
Judy Jones and Judy Manzella’s 3-5-Minus Sure Shots have slipped from the top spot they held after the first two weeks of the season, but they are only one point out of third place, and play again at home on Wednesday, December 2nd. Monnie Kane and Sue Weiss’ 50-Plus Silver Belles are holding onto the fourth spot after seven weeks of play, and our 60-Plus team led by Teressa Crocker and Wennie Johannes has worked its way into the third position after three weeks of play.
Lee County Men’s Teams
Gulf Harbour’s men also are off to a good start in the Lee County Men’s 50-Plus Tennis League (LCMTL). Although early in the season, four of GH’s six LCMTL teams reside amongst the top-five in their divisions. Leading the way is the White A team led by is tied for the division lead after sweeping all four individual competitions in its first match; Blue A and Blue B both sit in second; and Blue C is tied for fourth after the first week of play. The Red A team begins play on Thursday, December 3rd.
USTA Teams
Judy Schafft’s 7.0 Super Senior Women’s team is carrying the mantle for us as far as our USTA teams go. Those ladies continue to lead their division with a 5-1 record, and both Judy Schafft and Carole Shapiro are undefeated in league play.
Gulf Harbour’s USTA 7.0 Super Senior Men still sit in second with a 3-2 record. Slipping from the ranks of the unbeaten and from their No.1 position into the two-spot, our 7.0 Senior Mixed Doubles team is still in a very respectable second place.
Men’s Singles Ladders
The biggest story of the Inaugural Gulf Harbour Men’s Singles Ladders is the meteoric rise of John Hess who came in late, but got after it in a hurry. John has played five matches since October 15th, winning them all, including a straight-set victory over previous Group B Ladder leader, Manny Lima. Since claiming the ladder pinnacle on November 12th, John has not been challenged. Manny still sits in second and Eddie Dance holds third with a 2-2 record.
In the Group A Ladder, Alan Canfield, Jr. continues to hold onto the top spot, but Geoff Negin, the reigning Club Champion, has just issued Alan a challenge, and Geoff is 2-0 in ladder competition thus far. The winner of this match has to be considered a favorite to claim honors in the inaugural Group A Ladder. Newcomer Chip Graddy
Your Pros
Gulf Harbour’s success seems to have extended to your pros as well. All three won their matches at the most recent Pro League, Joel and I in straight sets, and Mike in his customary third-set super-tiebreak.
In other recent action, I pulled it together enough to claim the Men’s 50 Doubles title with Jim Katterfield of Shadow Wood Country Club on Day 2 of the USPTA Masters after a first day meltdown in singles. Hoping to continue our winning trend, I’m off to defend my Turkey Bowl Title in the Men’s 45s this coming weekend.
But Joel continues to be “Da Man” of Gulf Harbour tennis (If we don’t consider Alan Canfield, Jr. and John Hess). Joel finished the 2010 fall season of the USTA Lee/Charlotte County Adult League Men’s 4.5 Division with an undefeated record, losing only one set in his five matches.
But top kudos must go to our peerless leader, who, as a reflection of his esteem among local tennis professionals, has been selected to play in as prestigious an exhibition as we’ll see in the area. Mike will play with top USTA amateur Rick Schmidt, winner of multiple USTA National Championships; Xavier Malisse, who has been ranked as high as No.19 on the ATP Tour; and Robert Kendrick, formerly No.69 on the ATP Tour at Casa Ybel on Sanibel on Saturday, December 12th.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
New Tennis Season Rocking at Gulf Harbour
Hello Gulf Harbourites. Welcome back to your "Here's What's Happening (and or happened) in Gulf Harbour Tennis" spot.
Up-Coming Events
The first Tennis Family Night Dinner of the 2009 – 2010 season is being served up Wednesday the 18th. Come break bread and sip wine with old tennis friends or make some new ones. See who you can recognize without tennis garb. And, the rumor is that Jim Rollero is preparing a pictorial show for your entertainment as well. Click here to be a part of the Tennis Family Night Dinner.
Gulf Harbour Tennis Teams
A Captains Council has been formed to help manage the formation and functioning of Gulf Harbour’s Lee County Women’s Tennis League teams. Linda VanWyk, Co-Captain of the 3.0 Double Trouble team was elected to chair the Council’s inaugural season. Guidelines will soon be available on the Club website on the Tennis Teams & Leagues page.
Eight of Gulf Harbour’s 12 LCWTL teams are among the top-five teams in their divisions. Leading the way is our 60-Plus team, led by Teressa Crocker and Wennie Johannes, which leads the division after sweeping its first two matches.
Also in the group of five sitting in second is our 4.0 team, captained by Marcia Devries and Mary Harrington, and our 4.0-Minus team, with Connie Hess and Pam Lemon at the helm. These two divisions are among the toughest to claim top-five spots, but a strong showing against one of the League’s premier teams, Park Meadow, has vaulted our 4.0 ladies into second after two weeks, and our 4.0-Minus ladies have swept two of their first four opponents en route to their second-place standing.
New additions to the Gulf Harbour Men’s Singles B Ladder, Jim King and Frank Kaplan, are off to good starts, each picking up a straight-set victory in his initial match. Both will have a ways to go to catch current Ladder MVP John Hess who is waiting impatiently for his match-up with Ladder leader Manny Lima.
The action has been less than torrid in the A Ladder. Ladder leader Alan Canfield has played only one match, and no other player in this group has played more than two. Canfield has been busy otherwise, however; finishing regular season play in the Ultimate Tennis League (formerly K-Swiss) with only one loss in the 4.0 Division. Alan won his division and will be entering the playoffs as one of the favorites to claim the League Championship.
Starting things of right in the early matches wsa your dynamic young pro, Joel Hampton. Joel teamed with Alex Hermeto of Gateway against Patrick Kangwa of The Landings and Lighthouse Bay’s Jorge Magalhaes in a crowd-pleaser of a match at the No.3 position. Joel’s youthful reflexes and blistering groundstrokes drew cheers from the crowd and proved to be the deciding factor in the super-tiebreak win for Hampton and Hermeto.
In addition to his on-court heroics, Joel recently showed that he can be a hero off the court as well. Last week Joel witnessed an accident on his way to a hockey game, and turned around to assist and stay with the senior citizen involved in the accident until help arrived. Never one to miss an opportunity to add to his fan club, Joel invited the victim and her husband to the Pro League match at Gulf Harbour. And, they came!
Up-Coming Events
The first Tennis Family Night Dinner of the 2009 – 2010 season is being served up Wednesday the 18th. Come break bread and sip wine with old tennis friends or make some new ones. See who you can recognize without tennis garb. And, the rumor is that Jim Rollero is preparing a pictorial show for your entertainment as well. Click here to be a part of the Tennis Family Night Dinner.
Gulf Harbour Tennis Teams
A Captains Council has been formed to help manage the formation and functioning of Gulf Harbour’s Lee County Women’s Tennis League teams. Linda VanWyk, Co-Captain of the 3.0 Double Trouble team was elected to chair the Council’s inaugural season. Guidelines will soon be available on the Club website on the Tennis Teams & Leagues page. 
Eight of Gulf Harbour’s 12 LCWTL teams are among the top-five teams in their divisions. Leading the way is our 60-Plus team, led by Teressa Crocker and Wennie Johannes, which leads the division after sweeping its first two matches. Five of our teams are sitting in the second spot during the early going. They include Sally Mellendorf and Linda VanWyk’s 3.0 Double Trouble, which is three points out of first place after five weeks; Jenny King and Darlene Mattcheck’s 3.0-Minus team which trails the division leader by two points after two weeks of play; and our Defending Champion 50-Plus Gold team which is five points out of first after three matches.
The two remaining teams in top-five positions include Judy Jones and Judy Manzella’s 3.5-Minus Sure Shots are holding on to fourth after two weeks, and Effie Parker and Marianne McElroy’s Bronze team which sits in fifth place after four matches.
Not to be outdone, our USTA Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles Teams have also sprinted out of the blocks in fine form. Our 7.0 Senior Mixed team led by Bob Ostrom is in first place and undefeated after three matches, Judy Schafft’s 7.0 Super Senior women hold the first spot with a 4-0 record, and our 7.0 Super Senior Men’s team is second with a 2-1 record after its third match.
Men’s Singles Ladder
New additions to the Gulf Harbour Men’s Singles B Ladder, Jim King and Frank Kaplan, are off to good starts, each picking up a straight-set victory in his initial match. Both will have a ways to go to catch current Ladder MVP John Hess who is waiting impatiently for his match-up with Ladder leader Manny Lima. 
The action has been less than torrid in the A Ladder. Ladder leader Alan Canfield has played only one match, and no other player in this group has played more than two. Canfield has been busy otherwise, however; finishing regular season play in the Ultimate Tennis League (formerly K-Swiss) with only one loss in the 4.0 Division. Alan won his division and will be entering the playoffs as one of the favorites to claim the League Championship.Your Tennis Pros
Gulf Harbour Tennis hosted the Fort Myers USPTA Tennis Pro League’s second stop on Friday, November 6th. Approximately 300 cheering fans swarmed the tennis facility, enthusiastically cheering great play and jeering the blunders of their favorite tennis professionals. Gulf Harbour is without doubt the the most electric of all the Pro League stops, and it is because we have the absolute best tennis members bar none!
Starring in the main attraction, Mike Curran paired with Eddie Neese in the marquee match-up of the day at the No. 1 position against former world-ranked Roberto Saad and current FGCU player Sergio Robelledo. Mike and Eddie came back from a 2-6 drubbing in the first set, to claim the win in a super-tiebreak, 10 – 5.
Starting things of right in the early matches wsa your dynamic young pro, Joel Hampton. Joel teamed with Alex Hermeto of Gateway against Patrick Kangwa of The Landings and Lighthouse Bay’s Jorge Magalhaes in a crowd-pleaser of a match at the No.3 position. Joel’s youthful reflexes and blistering groundstrokes drew cheers from the crowd and proved to be the deciding factor in the super-tiebreak win for Hampton and Hermeto. Unfortunately, yours truly didn’t do so well. I played with Mark Drons of Vasari at the no.2 position against Jim Katterfield of Shadow Wood, and Luke Andreae, a former No.1 position player from Punta Gorda. We got off to a great start and appeared to have the match well in hand after the first set. But then, I double faulted three, count ‘em, THREE consecutive times en route to a break to open the second set. That appeared to panick my partner and it certainly killed our momentum. We went on to lose the match 6-2, 2-6, 3-6.
But I’m blaming Bev Adams for that loss. She was court side cheering us on, serving as our inspiration to comeback when we were down a break in the third set. But when the lights went out, literally, at 3 – 3, and we changed courts, Bev was nowhere to be seen! The lights then went out, figuratively, on our games as well. We didn’t win another game.
Joel the Hero
In addition to his on-court heroics, Joel recently showed that he can be a hero off the court as well. Last week Joel witnessed an accident on his way to a hockey game, and turned around to assist and stay with the senior citizen involved in the accident until help arrived. Never one to miss an opportunity to add to his fan club, Joel invited the victim and her husband to the Pro League match at Gulf Harbour. And, they came!In more heroic action, Joel has helped his USTA 4.5 Men’s Adult League team advance to the playoffs by going undefeated thus far in fall season play. Joel has the opportunity to finish the season undefeated if he wins his match today, and will represent West Bay in Regional Playoffs in January.
T. A. at USPTA Masters
Proving that age and wisdom aren't necessarily correlated, I'll be off to participate in the USPTA Masters Tournament at Tiger Wood’s place (Isleworth in Orlando) this weekend (November 14th & 15th). USPTA certified Pros qualify for the season ending event by finishing in the top four of their age division in the USPTA Grand Prix series. I finished No.2 in the Men’s 50 Division and will play singles and doubles in Orlando. I have the modest goal of coming back to Gulf Harbour uninjured.
Have a great weekend everyone, and I'll see you next week. Game, set, match...
Proving that age and wisdom aren't necessarily correlated, I'll be off to participate in the USPTA Masters Tournament at Tiger Wood’s place (Isleworth in Orlando) this weekend (November 14th & 15th). USPTA certified Pros qualify for the season ending event by finishing in the top four of their age division in the USPTA Grand Prix series. I finished No.2 in the Men’s 50 Division and will play singles and doubles in Orlando. I have the modest goal of coming back to Gulf Harbour uninjured.
Have a great weekend everyone, and I'll see you next week. Game, set, match...
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Hot Start to Gulf Harbour Tennis Season
Summer ripples still dance before our sunkissed eyes, and the air hangs heavily about our shoulders as we take to the courts...AND IT"S NOVEMBER for crying out loud! Ah, but complain we shan't for 'tis snowy streets that greet some who yet dwell in northern climes.
Events
Ok, down to business here...If you know anything about Gulf Harbour tennis you know that we are up and running at a breakneck pace. Yesterday's annual Halloween event drew some of our most creative racquet swingers to the courts, and next weekend the Welcome Back Mixer is on tap. As soon as we turn around twice, the Tennis Family Night Dinner will be here (Wednesday, November 18th). Surely you know by now that you can register for those and all tennis events and activities online (click links above for quick access).
In addition to our in-house happenings, the USPTA Pro League will be coming to Gulf Harbour on Friday, November 6th. As mentioned elsewhere, this season promises to be one of the most exciting ever for the Pro League. Former Grand Slam competitors and recent college grads have boosted the level of play and expanded the number of matches to be played. We hope to have a good turnout at Gulf Harbour, even if we can’t match the record-setting throngs that Mike and I experienced at Grandezza.
If, after attending Pro League, you haven't yet had enough tennis, the following day (Saturday, November 7th), the 29th Annual Naples-Fort Myers Challenge Cup will be happening at Bonita Bay. Although we (Fort Myers) won the first year I played (2007), Naples regained the honors last year. I had the pleasure of losing a good match to "The Legend" Larry Turville in last year's event. It'll be extremely tough to wrest the cup from the this year, and your support would surely be a boost for the Fort Myers team.
Ladies’ Teams
Team play is off to a microwave start, and a few of Gulf Harbour’s Lee County Women’s Tennis League teams have opened the season quite impressively. Captains Jenny King’s and Darlene Mattcheck’s 3.0-Minus team holds the lead in its division after two matches, sweeping its first two opponents. They take on Breckenridge at home Thursday, November 5th. Judy Jones’ and Judy Manzella’s 3-5-Minus Sure Shots also swept their first two opponents to take the lead in their division. They play again at home on Wednesday, November 4th. Not to be outdone, Gulf Harbour’s 4.0-Minus team, led by Connie Hess and Pam Lemon, is also off to a stellar start with, you guessed it, two more sweeps in its first two matches. They play next at home this Monday, November 2nd. The 3.0 Double Trouble team, under the guidance of Sally Mellendorf and Linda VanWyk, is in second place after winning two of their first three matches in sweeps. The imminent going may be troublesome for Double Trouble, though, as they play away the next two weeks.
Although not as dominating in their performances as the previously mentioned teams, Monnie Kane’s and Sue Weiss’ Silver Belles hold the third spot after winning three of their four matches to date. The Belles play next at home on Friday, November 6th.
Men’s Teams
One of Gulf Harbour’s USTA teams, our 7.0 Super Senior Men, has begun play, and it sits in second with a 2-1 record. Tennis Committee Chairperson and Gulf Harbour Board Member, Bob Ostrom, is anchoring the defending State Champion team, carrying a 3-0 record thus far. Our consummate tennis organizer Tim Baldwin is doing his share for the team as well, winning two of the three matches he has played. The six Gulf Harbour men’s teams that play in the Lee County 50-Plus Men’s League begin play on November 17th, and Gulf Harbour’s 69ers, who play in the 70-Plus Men’s Tennis League, open play on December 2nd. Men’s Singles Ladders
In addition to the usual excitement of team play, there is a new game in Gulf Harbour tennis. The Inaugural Men’s Singles Ladders (Group A and Group B) is developing into an exciting and hotly contested affair. Contestants are finding that singles is great cardio exercise, as well as fun competition. John Hess has to be considered the “Ladder MVP” to date based upon his performance. Although only recently returned from cheese country, John Hess has stormed up the Group B Ladder, and now sits in second place. In less than two weeks, John has played and won four matches, three of them going to a third and final set.
Manny Lima sits atop the Group B Ladder, but he has only played once since the start of the official ladder season, and John is right on his heels. This promises to be one of the early-season marquee matchups in the B Group, and should be coming soon. Although it'll make for a very long day, I don’t want to miss that one!
Deserving of honorable mention are Dave Russ and Eddie Dance. Both have jumped right into the singles fray without having any experience on the singles court, and each has played three or more matches in two weeks. The oppressive heat has not deterred these court warriors who obviously came to play.
The Group A Ladder is off to a much slower start of the official season. Only three matches have been played since the official season began two weeks ago, with Chip Graddy , the motivating force behind the ladders, playing two of those three matches.
Alan Canfield holds the top spot in Group A, having beaten Chip in straight sets (6-1, 6-4) in the only match he’s played thus far. Chip handled Maxwell Thompson in his most recent match (6-0, 6-4), despite some stellar play by Maxwell. Reigning Club Champion Geoff Negin is back from injury, and he returned victoriously over newcomer Brian Hammermeister in straight sets (6-0, 6-2). I suspect that once some of the other injured players heal, this group will see some heightened activity.
In closing, I must extend the warmest note of gratitude to the host of caring spirits who gave so generously of themselves during MJ's and my moment of difficulty. I was virutally overwhelmed by the show of care and support, treasured the cards and other offerings, and can only humbly say, "Thank You!" MJ is mobile again and doing much better. Until next...game, set, match.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)