MIXED A DOUBLES IS COMPLETED!

Mixed A finals originally set for Sunday, then Monday, then Tuesday...talk about third time is a charm, right?!  Well, spectators were treated to a fun match to watch tonight for sure.  Mixed doubles is one of the most popular events every year.  Lets face it...a key part of a successful mixed team is going to be a solid woman partner.  We saw that tonight in both Susan Armstrong and Dynel Soto.  With BIG games by both lefties, Kris and Christian, both women braved repeated shots directed at them...and they both embraced the challenge.  Kris and Dynel got off to a strong start in the first set and take it with a score of 6-2.  With spirited play by both Susan and Christian in the second set they move to a 4-1 lead in the second set.  But Dynel and Kris were not done.  Coming back with some spectacular play by Kris and some solid returns by Dynel they start a run of their own.  Many who watched will tell you that Dynel won the next few games.  Calling off Kris from hitting out balls, and basically telling him "LEAVE THAT BALL ALONE ITS MINE!", Dynel comes off strong and they take a 3 game run to tie the score at 4-4. 

Big serving Christian comes up to the plate but is broken.  Serving for the match is Kris.  Knowing what needs to be done, Susan and Christian played on Dynel, catching her with some volley errors.  This is exactly what I said earlier about how a woman has to hold her own on the court.  Kris is broken, score is now tied at 5-5.  Susan now serves with Christian making a commanding presence at the net.  She is broken, leaving Dynel serving for the match at 6-5.  Pressure was on especially after the volley misses earlier but she serves big...saving her best serves till the end...and they take the match 7-5 in the second set, scoring the mini upset of the #1 seed. 

This was a great match to watch.  Big games by the men, brave and solid play by both Susan and Dynel...the spectators enjoyed watching the match.  A big thank you to TV2 who showed up again to film matches at the Heineken St. Croix Open. 

See you all tomorrow night!

Tuesday matches....COMPLETED!!!

WOOHOO!  Save for a small delay this afternoon because of rain, all matches were completed.  Again, a big thank you to Karen Heckman for rearranging all the rain delayed matches from Monday!  Lets hope for no more rain delays.  Please...we beg you.  Do NOT wash your cars nor order water delivery!  :)

Making up matches from Monday, play started early this morning at the Club.   Anton Kuipers beat a determined Stan Vanasse 6-4, 6-4.  I hear Anton might reconsider wearing all black in the morning. 

Carl Mascheur later took on Larry Morris.  I heard Carl played a crafty and smart game today, taking the match 6-1, 6-2. 

This afternoon, Russell Armstrong played a FIERCE game and defeated Monty Mrotz 6-3, 6-0.  Monty said it was a pleasure to lose to such a nice junior player and said he learned something about his game in play young Russell.  Great words by Monty and congrats to Russell!

Depak Bansal and Chuck Butcher completed the make-up schedule this evening.  With newcomer Depak playing a baseline game gained by his recent lessons (which shows!) and shades of tennis from years past with a chip and charge game by Chuck, this was a fun match to watch.  First set goes to a tiebraker...finally winning the tiebrake 11-9, was Depak!  Depak continued his run and takes the second set at 6-3.  Great to see Chuck back on the court.  With his lively demeanor and fun attitude, we hope to see more of him on the court!

Beginning on the Tuesday schedule was Carl Beckstedt who took on a challenge by Lisle Brathwaite.  BIG serves by Lisle, BIG returns by Carl...a very entertaining match was played out on Court 1.  BIG serves by Lisle...the first set was taken to 4-4 all.  Capitalizing on a break, Carl takes the set 6-4.  Although he won the second set by 6-0, the play was much more even then the score indicates.  Carl was heard saying after the match, "Those serves did not miss by much!  When those start coming in...BEWARE!"  Uhm....did someone say BIG serves?  ;)

Making her St. Croix tennis singles debut was Pam Morris having to play her doubles partner, Adrienne Seward!  Now talk about uncomfortable, right?!  Consistant play by Pam, she takes the match 6-2, 6-3.  Now we next get to see them again later as a team!

Shelby Cruz took on a very spirited and solid back court backboard game in Joanie Kupfer.  With big serves and big returns, Shelby saw ball after ball come back, wearing down many a point.  Tiebrake in the first set to Shelby.  Way to go Joanie!  Joanie says she lost her service motion and Shelby found her solid down the line game...and Shelby takes the match with a second set score of 6-0. 

Gabrielle Armstrong met up with Merlice Charles.  Again...congrats to Merlice in taking part in her first ever tournament and bringing a nice cheering squad to watch!  Gabrielle takes the first set 6-1 and was on her way to a duplicate score, but Merlice had a great service game to hold.  I say this because most newcomers would have simply folded under the pressure, but she played aggressively and it paid off.  Gabrielle holds with some big serves of her own and takes the final set 6-2.  Nice win Gabs!  These two were as gracious, smiling, and polite...love to see it! 

Seems everytime you turn around there is Alec Kuipers.  Facing him today was Phil Holzman.  Ever smiling and ever pleasant, Phil played hard but that little feisty Alec was everywhere.  6-0, 6-0 to Alec...and Phil still smiling says he enjoyed playing young Alec!

Unfortunately two withdrawals were made today.  Lee Rohn withdrew from the event with a rib injury.  We hope to see her back in the doubles by the end of the week!

If any of you HEARD, and I am sure you did...I coughed up near a lung in my final on Sunday afternoon.  With doubles ahead of me and not wanting to let my partner, Jay Craft down, I withdrew due to illness.  Robby Stamper says I was just "skeered" of him.  But we all know Robby is an idiot.  I am coming after you Robby in doubles.  Just saying...

The future of St. Croix tennis :)

Kudos has to be given to this years Juniors who are taking part in the 3rd Annual Heineken St. Croix Open.  Please...support these kids, compliment them, congratulate them.  All of these players are super kids and I think its great that they are taking part in a tournament and participating in a sport that hopefully will be a part of their lives forever.  Five of these kids are collectively playing in FIFTEEN EVENTS...singles, doubles and mixed doubles.  One has already trophied.    Great job you guys!!  So the next time you see them, give them a pat on the back and buy them a Hein...uhm...excuse me, a water.  ;)

Thursday dinner - open to all - please RSVP today!

Take a look at the fun happenings at the Club.  The Member Honoree dinner is Thursday and sounds yummy!  It is open to members and guests! 

The action continues at the club! View this email in your browser.

2012 HEINEKEN OPEN Listing of events - Week 2 PLEASE JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL EVENING AT THE CLUB Thursday, October 18th, 2012 Cocktails ~ 6pm Dinner ~ 7pm A night of wonderful food and fun at the club which will honor the special contributions of our members Norma Jean Brent ~Ted Lockwood Joanine Kupfer~Michael Armendariz Menu by our very own Sarah Stamper featuring your choice of: *Pork Tenderloin with a Chimichurri Sauce *Poached Salmon with a Garlic Aioli Sauce Served with baked potato, roasted veggies, salad and dessert of black cherry rum cake. $25/member $30/guest RSVP BY OCTOBER 16th to Sarah Stamper click to RSVP: tugboatsarah@yahoo.com $4/each or $7/two Tennis, Tamales & Margaritas! Friday Oct 19th ~ 6 pm The Club is serving up the islands most competitive tennis and tonight we'll have homemade tamales for sale. A selection of beef, chicken and veggie will be offered. Wash them down with one (or more) of Joanie's FAMOUS Margaritas ... you're sure to have a great time! $10/Roll $5/Sides Sarah's Rollin' the SUSHI! Saturday Oct 20 ~ 6 pm Sarah's back in the house rollin' up some of the best sushi on island - Sides of edamame as well as seaweed and cucumber salads will be available:) . Adult Clinics start @ $25 Jr. Clinics start @ $15 Private Instruction starts @ $36 Visiting Tennis Pro Rob Hailer October 22 - Nov 2 Rob is Great Harbor Yacht Club's tennis pro in Nantucket, Mass, and is next in a series of visiting guest pros scheduled to augment Coach Kevin's program at The Club. He will offer Women's and Men's Clinics as well as Junior instruction. Private Lessons may also be arranged. info@tennisclubstx.com Joanie's Signature House Drink Specials are available nightly @ The Bar ~ Stop in for a cocktail! Copyright © *2012 *Tennis Club of STX* All rights reserved. OUR WEBSITE: www.tennisclubstx.com info@tennisclubstx.com Make sure to 'LIKE' our Facebook Page TODAY update subscription preferences • forward to a friend If you'd like to stop getting these emails, you can unsubscribe from this list.

Monday rain - new Tuesday schedule!!!

Okay fans!  Everyone showed up en masse to play and watch only to be cancelled due to rain...but NEVER FEAR...POODLE IS HERE!  Matches to be completed TOMORROW as follows:

Anton Kuipers vs. Stan Vanesse 7:30 am

Larry Morris vs. Carl Mascheur 8:00 am

Russell Armstrong vs. Monty Mrotz - finishing up at 4 pm

Depak Bansal vs. Chuck Butcher - 4 pm

Galiber/Galiber vs. Kupfer/Mrotz to Wednesday at 7:30 pm

Mixed final tomorrow at 6:30 pm. 

Remaining matches (regular scheduled) are as follows:

Joanie Kupfer vs. Shelby Cruz at 5:15 pm

Pam Morris vs. Adrienne Seward at 5:15 pm

Merlice Charles vs. Gabrielle Armstrong at 5:15 pm

Lisle Brathwaite vs. Carl Beckstedt at 5:15 pm

Phil Holzman vs. Alec Kuipers at 6:30 pm

Michael Armendariz vs. winner of (Morris/Mascheur) at 6:30 pm

Lee Rohn vs. Joan Warren at 6:30 pm

ONCE AGAIN...A BIG THANK YOU TO

Sunday happenings!

First off...what on earth happened to this tropical storm?!  Not that we are complaining...we actually completed all but ONE match of the mixed event today!  Sunshine was available all day!

Matches begun this morning with Armstrong/Nelthropp taking on the ever smiling Team Elizee.  Once again, great to see LaToya back on the tennis scene again.  The #1 team proved to be too strong and Armstong/Nelthropp take the match 6-1, 6-1.  From what I saw, this score was not indicitive of the quality of the match.  Every time I looked over there was a great display of shot making.

On court 2 was the #2 seeded team of Dynel Soto and Kris Elien.  Their opponents were Lisa Adam and Greg James.  Despite a good effort by Greg to take as many balls as he could (deja vu?!)...Dynel and Kris were just too strong, winning the match 6-1, 6-0. 

Court 3 was a battle of who was going to take the net.  Al Baptiste or Michael Armendariz?  Patsy Knight and Al took on Michael and Debbie Woodson.  Al known for his presence at the net took every opportunity he could to dominate but they came short in the first set losing 6-4 to Debbie and Michael.  Debbie and Michael take the next set 6-0, in a set closer than the score says...sending them to the final in the afternoon. 

Waiting for a spot in the final were team Kuipers against Barbara Robbins and Marcel Galiber.  This was a fun match to watch as the crowd challenged Marcel to take on the youngster in a fun spirited display of some really great shot making by all four players.  Kuipers score the early break and ran with the first set taking it by a score of 6-3.  Using the momentum from the first set they went up 3-0 in the second set.  But Marcel and Barbara rallied back to tie it up.  Leading once again at 5-3, Marcel and Barbara rally yet again to tie things at 5-5.  Kuipers dem win the next 2 games and win 7-5 sending them in the the B finals versus Debbie Woodson and Michael Armendariz. 

Later in the day, semi finals for A mixed began.  First up, was team Motoodle making a challenge to the #1 team of Susan Armstrong and Christian Nelthropp.  With a vocal crowd watching, fans were treated to some nice shot making by all the players.  A valiant effort by Karen and Kevin, the #1 seeds take the match by a score of 6-2, 6-2.  The other semi final was Dynel Soto and Kris Elien taking on the big winners from the night before, Fennella Cooper and Stan Myrie-G.  Another youth versus experience battle, the first set was just that...a battle!  Kris and Dynel take the first set in a tiebrake.  Second set, although closer than the score indicated, Dynel and Kris take the set at 6-0 setting up a final between the two top seeds.  They meet up on Monday night at 7:30...you don't wanna miss this one!

Mixed B finals begin.  Having beaten some good teams along the way, team Kuipers came out confident and poised against the #1 seeds of Woodson and Armendariz.  A crucial break in the eighth game had Debbie serving for the first set at 5-30, 40-0.  Kuipers rallied back to break and win the next three games taking the first set 7-5.  A determind Debbie and Michael come out swinging in the next set taking it by a score of 6-3.  Third set!  Both determined teams, Debbie and Michael go up an break early but Kuipers dem take the next two games!  Four all, Michael and Debbie break them, Debbie serving for the match again at 5-4, 40-0.   An extremely poised Alec literally wins the next three points to take it to deuce.  Battling back and forth before a VERY vocal crowd, with cheers of "Lets go, Alec!" and "Nice shot, Maria!" (Maria?  Did we hear that right?!).  Four deuces later, Debbie and Michael pull it out taking the set 6-4 and winning the match.  I can go on and on about the Kuipers, but Alec and Kelly played inspired tennis and Alec had a super run taking out some VERY good teams.  Solid play, smart playing, and polite, Alec is a real joy to watch and play against.  You gotta love this kid!

Wine and Cheese event at the Club!

Sommalier Kimberly Edwards from Bellows International provided wine, prizes, and an informative evening of sampling wines.  Paired with a gorgeous array of cheese and fruits provided by Club member Karen Heckman, this was the OTHER event going on while tennis was being played outside!  This was a super fun event and thank Kimberly for her enthusiasm and knowledge...what a

way to spend the evening.  The "pick the varietal grape" contest was heated with entries hoping to win a gorgeous set of 12 Riedel wine glasses.  Congrats to Sherry Mansfield for correctly guessing all four choices!  I guess all that wine drinking has paid off!  The cheese selections were amazing with port cheese wine, infused carmelized onion, and others plus fruit...all the perfect mix!  Stay tuned for other event coming up at the Club including a member/guest dinner, tamale night (OMG) and sushi night (double OMG!)  Tennis, food and Heineken! 

Tennis Club of St. Croix once again shows that this is THE tennis event of the year.  Thanks to all who attented!