3/7/09
10 Mixed Home Match against San Francisco Tennis Club
- Mai Ichikawa, Captain
Hello everyone,
First of all, thank you weather gods for giving us perfect sunny conditions, which gave us the energy our team needed to complete another successful victory, congratulations!
Once again, our couple of the year team, Meghan and Jeff, pulled out a comfortable win with a score of 6-2,6-2. Even though their opponents tried some Aussie on them, it only fed into their fire, making both M & J carve out better returns and more aggressive shot making. Well done you two!
My hubby and I were second off the court, winning in straights 6-3,6-4. Brent's shoulder cooperated with his serve which in turn gave our opponents the usual trouble- great big serve followed by a juicy return right into my forehand volley, thank you very much...won't say the same on my backhand side though, ha!
The match of the day was mastered by our world famous team of Kim Lackey and Brian Kaplan. First time playing together so they started off a bit short, losing the first set in a close one- 5-7, no biggy. They regrouped and began taking charge and winning the second 6-4. They chose to play the super TB which is always exciting and nerve racking for both players and spectators. But the momentum remained cool and smooth for K & B, winning the super in flying colors, yippy! Great 3-0 win over HP, we needed that one.
We are still tied for 2nd so like I said before, every match counts and we have 3 to go. If we win them, we move onto sectionals. Let's make that happen! Your Cap, Mai
2/21/09
8.0 Mixed Match against Chabot College (Road match)
- Veronica El Baze, Captain
The 8.0 Mixed team had an "AWAY" match against Lakeridge. Unfortunately, we
experienced our 2nd loss today, 1-2! We did better when we played them on
our home courts.
Thanks to Francine Ostrem who saved us from defaulting a line by joining the
team last minute! Welcome! She and her partner, Rich Green won their match
despite a wrist injury! They played a no-nonsense first set, 6-2, and as
what usually happens after winning the first set so decisively, Francine and
Rich relaxed and "fell asleep", according to Francine, in the second set.
They were up 4-0 but lost the 2nd set! No worries as our team took care of
business in the tiebreaker. 6-2, 4-6, 1-0. Way to be tough!
Our brother and sister combo, Marci and Cliff, who ended up playing
Lakeridge's #1 doubles' team. Both their opponents were strong. The male
opponent had an amazing forehand and handled anything that went over his
head with ease. His female partner was a top flight 4.0. player! She had
excellent court positioning, great anticipation, good at the net and simply
didn't miss. According to Cliff, he and Marci are still learning how to
dance together on the court and what shots to hit. Next time, perhaps being
more aggressive and definitely not giving them free points will make a
difference! 3-6, 3-6.
Veronica and Harrison played together against a great server who returned
everything to Harrison's shoelace and played crosscourt angled rallies with
Veronica who played on the ad court. There were very few rallies especially
in the first set since he just kept hitting winners after winners. His
lefty partner was also very good. She was very tight at the net and ready
to angle off a winner! Both had their forehands in the middle but then
again our male opponent's backhand was also as good as his forehand. I
didn't remember him being this good when I watched a few points he played
during the first match at BTC. He told me after the match, that he indeed
played well that day. Good for him, bad for Harrison and myself as we
definitely didn't play to our full potential. 1-6, 4-6.
Rain, rain go away so we can practice, practice, and get better!
UPCOMING MATCH: @ BTC - Sunday, March 1st @ 2pm against Oakland Hills.
Reserved seating only!
2/21/09
10 Mixed Home Match against San Francisco Tennis Club
- Mai Ichikawa, Captain
In Japan, the number "4" means death, so as a custom, you do not give gifts in increments of 4. It is considered bad luck, bad omen, and that is the entire reason why we ended up losing this last match, the dark knight number four. We started off a bit short on teams, unfortunately, our secret weapon and co-captain Carolyn Wei did a number on her knee a few days before and could not compete. She would have teamed up with the big, bad "Baer". They still came out to the club for moral support and a sexy six pack!
The San Francisco tennis club is loaded with top players and sure enough, they brought out their posse on Saturday, only the best. First off was Brian Kaplan and myself. We competed well but fell short on a bunch of the close games and could not take them when we had our chances, losing in straights 6-2,6-4. We'll get em next time BK!
Another close match but not one for the good guys was performed by our sweet duet team of Meghan and Jeff. In the first set, being down 1-4, they gathered their composer and began fighting their way back in, scaring their opponents into a tie-breaker but ended up in unfortunate consequences of 5-7. Second set ended up closer than the actual score, the bad guys got us, 6-7, 3-6. Great battle you two!
Thanks again BTC for cheering us on and keeping us all in battle mode. Oh, and especially to Alissa C for her everlasting good cheers and crafty display of oohs and aahs! Signing off for now....your captain, Mai Ich-Abe
