If you did NOT come to the Tennis Club tonight...then you simply just missed OUT. A great social scene tonight with much going on...and some GREAT tennis! This is without a doubt the most fun tennis event on St. Croix...but lets begin with some matches!
Gabrielle Armstrong and Natalie Nelson hit the courts tonight during an absolute lovely evening under a sliver of a moon. Gabrielle had nice groundies, Natalie great retrievals...but Gabs wears Natalie down. But wait...at match point for Gabrielle, she graciously approaches the net and retires the match, giving the win to Natalie. Gabrielle, like her brothers will be leaving tomorrow. Instead of taking the match and leaving the next person with no one to play...Gabs was a great sport and retired. Natalie...looks like you are in the final tomorrow night! For the record Gabs was ahead 6-1, 5-2, 40-love...great sportsmanship Gabrielle!
Newbie Elizabeth Bartasius and Talkie Barb Robbins took on Barmaid Joanie Kupfer and Ever-Smiling Jackie Mashburn in a match much closer than the score indicated. With a different game to look at, Joanie and Jackie started out a bit nervous, but quickly anticipated the chip and charge style of Elizabeth...many times returning the chip return with a well executed lob over her head. Score was 6-2, 6-2....but nice points by all.
Christian Nelthropp and Zach Armstrong took on Jason Miller and Old Man Raymond Berkeley (was he REALLY out there competing in a match or was it my imagination?!). Jason and Raymond charge fast and take the first set 6-2. Zach and his partner come back and take the second set by the same score. Third set? REALLY? Raymond in in shock at the prospect of actually having to play a third. Perhaps it was the shock of it, or the great play at the net by Zach...they are staring at match point against them, when Zach and Christian, once again graciously default. Another class act. Raymond...you know have to play two days in a row....are you okay?!
Open singles had Shane Dalton blistering some forehands at Coach Kevin, but Kevin repeatedly retrieved and absorbed those forehands and working the ball back to Shane, drawing the error. Kevin prevails by a score of 6-2, 6-3 in a well played match.
Things were getting loud at the Club as they prepare for a Member/Guest dinner...6:30 matches arrive to add more excitement!
Robby Stamper and Depak Bansal take to the court in a friendly warm up...but that quickly changed. Robby, more tournament seasoned may have been expecting an easier time...but Depak surprised him with a nice game tonight and almost takes the first set, finally losing the set to Robby 5-7. Robbie rides the momentum and takes the second set 6-2 to advance to the next round.
In a VERY close, emotional, heated match up was Juli Mielleur taking on Joan "Fearless" Warren. Joan's lessons and lots of match play has really improved her game and takes the #1 seed to the brink but loses the first set 5-7. Keeping up with an aggressive attitude Joan comes back with a win of her own at 6-4 to force a third set. Juli finally takes the match 6-2...both women all smiles at the net afterwards. Congrats to both. Joan for a nice set and Juli for the nice win!
Competing for a spot in the semi finals and an automatic guarantee of some prize money, Court 1 had Junior Bannis and Greg James. Now I must admit, I did not get to see much of this match as I was inside eating an awesome meal prepared by Club member Sarah Stamper and drinking my new favorite drink (Grey Goose and Fabuloso) made by Club member Joanie Kupfer. I was told that Greg simply wore down Junior and he moves with a score of 7-5, 6-0. *hiccup*
Last match had to be the highlight match of the night. Womens A doubles pitting Rose Mullgrav and Dynel Soto vs. Norma Cruz and LaToya Elizee. With both teams dominating in respective sets, they both take a set 6-2 to force the match to a decisive third. No one had a clear edge. Hold for hold, break for break, they kept things even...with the pressure building. LaToya was relentless and went from offensive to defensive constantly. Rose played some key pressure points when down and they move to a tiebrake. Once again close all the way through till the end...this match could have easily gone either way. Rose and Dynel take the tiebrake 7-5 and the match!
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