The sun shone brilliantly at Breckenridge Golf & Tennis Club in Estero, FL this past Saturday, and so did the games of the Champions of the Southwest Ultimate Tennis League Spring 2008 Championships. Thirteen champions were crowned, although only 12 matches were played due to a last minute withdrawal.
Cahill & Duke, Match of the Day
The women’s matches proved to be more competitive and entertaining overall, with “Women’s Match of the Day” going to 3.0 match-up of Janey Cahill of Cape Coral versus Katie Duke of Sarasota. With skill levels belying their 3.0 ratings, Cahill and Duke battled fiercely in the 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 win for Cahill, who finished the season 10-0.
Both players showed incredible hustle, determination, and better than 3.0 form as they grappled in the 90-degree temperature. In the end, Cahill’s match toughness and fitness prevailed as she closed out the breaker, 7-1.
Heckler Claims Women's 4.0
In the Women’s 4.0 Championship, Wendy Heckler of Fort Myers and Jami Kellogg of Sarasota also put on a show in their 6-0, 0-6, 6-4 skirmish. Kellogg’s strategy of complimenting Heckler to death throughout the first set dampened Heckler’s competitive fire, because before Heckler knew it, Kellogg had claimed the second set at love. There was no nonsense in the third set, however, as both women gave it their all before Heckler claimed the title.
Weiss over Neumann in Women's 3.5
Although the Women’s 3.5 title match didn’t go three sets as predicted, it was played as long and as hard as a three-setter, with Edwina Weiss of Cape Coral claiming the Women’s trophy. She beat Angelika Neumann of Palmetto, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that featured long rallies within long games, and multiple momentum shifts. Weiss’ grit on the court was reminiscent of Monica Seles’ determination, and she truly earned her victory.
Other Women's Divisions
In the other women’s divisions, Vivian Miller of Cape Coral won the 2.5s over Lisa Reily of Cape Coral (6-3, 6-3), avenging the only loss she had this season. Lisa Meshad of Sarasota defeated Julie London 6-2, 6-1 to claim the 5.0 title. Meshad’s athleticism was too much for London, who gave it all she had to no avail. Maria Dull of Sarasota received a walkover from Lynn Shea of Lakewood Ranch for the 4.5 Championship.
Men's Ultimate Tennis Championships
The men’s divisions produced fewer fireworks than the women’s, with none of the championship matches reaching a third set, and only two reaching tiebreaks. The “Match of the Day” on the men’s side went to Gareth Wood of University Park versus Brandon Straza of Fort Myers in the 3.0 division.
Wood Beats Straza in Men's Match of the Day
Although only two sets were played, the time spent on court and the intensity of the clash mirrored that of the toughest of three-setters. Neither player played like the Ultimate Tennis rookies that they were, and Wood’s slightly superior skill level carried the day.
Lynn Undefeated in Men's 4.0
A close second for “Match of the Day” honors was the Men’s 4.0 scuffle between Champion James Lynn of Sarasota and John Reily of Cape Coral. Although Reily acknowledged that Lynn had the edge in skill and athleticism, he fought every inch of the way through the 2-6, 6-7 loss. According to Lynn, “He gave me a scare there in the second set.”
Niles Claims 2nd Ultimate Tennis Title
The anticipated match-up between T. A. Niles and Stephen Hunt-Marriott in the Men’s 6.0 division turned out to be less competitive than expected. Employing his trademark serve-volley game, Niles threw Hunt-Marriott off his stride, and emerged with a 6-2, 6-4 victory. That was Niles’ second Ultimate Tennis Championship, having claimed the Spring 2007 Men’s 5.0 Championship.
Other Men's Divisions
In other men’s matches, Peter Bennet of Sarasota won the 2.5s over Alexander Lis of Cape Coral; Trenton Conquest of Bonita Springs conquered Jim Pecenka of Cape Coral, 6-4, 6-3 in a 3.5 match that was closer than the score indicates; Steve Larkin of Englewood remained undefeated, winning the 4.5 title over Bob Nelson of Cape Coral 6-1, 6-4; and Thomas Becnel of Sarasota also remained undefeated by beating Blair Watkins of Sarasota 6-4, 6-4 in the 5.0 title match.
Ultimate Tennis Championships a Success
Overall, the event was gratifying to the players, the families and friends of the players, and to the members who attended. So gratifying was it to John Reily that he inquired about the possibility of getting Ultimate Tennis started in New York. While Reily explores that possibility, Southwest Floridians who enjoy tennis competition have the opportunity to participate immediately.
Ultimate Tennis Summer Season Registration
The Ultimate Tennis Summer season is gearing up for a May 31st start. The registration deadline is Wednesday, May 14, but Ultimate Tennis’ flexibility does not exist solely in its format of play; it also extends to its customer service. In special circumstances, registration after the deadline may be allowed to accommodate player and league needs.
Championship Pictures
In addition to a terrific format and some of the best customer service you’ll find within any program, the Ultimate Tennis website is so user friendly a novice would have little trouble navigating it. Click here if interested in playing, or here to see more pictures of Championship Saturday at Breckenridge.
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