The heat is on in Minnesota this summer. Lots of hot and humid days. But that hasn't stopped this kids from playing tennis most days. They have enjoyed their afternoons with the St. Paul Urban Tennis Como Team. This past week they played 2 all day tournaments. Both had a great time. Emma was a demon at the net--her experience as catcher shows as she is not afraid of any ball coming at her. She specialized in doubles--mixed and girls, and did not lose any of her doubles or singles matches. Her and Stephanie are an amazing duo and have decided to try their hand at some more USTA tournaments later in the summer. Her Como 14U team came in 3rd place overall (despite having to forfeit 8 games each match because they did not have enough girls). This picture here is them receiving their medals. Her friend Stephanie won the "Sportsmanship" award--something definitely to be proud of.
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| Como's 14U Team after winning 3rd place in the USTA Jr Team Tennis Regionals (coach in middle) |
Ben played singles, boys and mixed doubles. He also favors doubles, and had some great matches. He especially had fun playing with partners Jack (boys) and Paulina (mixed). His team was also short some kids so had to forfeit some games, but still winding up winning the consolation bracket.
Emma's Tricounty Softball Tournament last weekend was very exciting. They ended up advancing through the winners bracket to the championship game. Good thing too, because it was 100 degrees with high humidity, so winning meant fewer games in the double elimination tournament. They did play 6 games, but that was much better than the 11 or so that teams who lost had to play to advance to the championship. They ended up winning the Tricounty Championship, in a dramatic fashion. The final 4 games of the tournament all had excitement, game changing ump calls, and major comebacks. In the final game, they were down 6 or 7 runs in a later inning, with very little energy left. The ump had declared their main pitcher's style illegal (this had not been identified throughout the season or tournament until the championship game), and so they had to take her out, and rely on their other pitcher who was worn out from pitching so many games in the heat. With no possibility of a reliever she fought on. They rallied with some hits, good baserunning and tight defense, and won the championship. Emma had some great hits in the tournament, including a key hit and baserunning that helped ignite the comeback. After a season of splitting many of their double headers, it was an unexpected victory, but one that the girls will probably remember through their lives. This victory qualified them for the National Tournament. Unfortunately, too many of the girls had conflicts so they won't be able to go, but I think they are really proud of their performance. This weekend is the State Tournament. It is another hot and humid weekend, so we are packing the cooler full of ice, water and wet towels.
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| Emma's North Area team after winning Tricounty Championship Game |
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| Emma and good friends, Emily and Stephanie, after game. |
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| Girls showing their strength after game. Coaches relaxing after a stressful game. |
