The BallenIsles Category II ended Sunday January 22nd. The top seeds prevailed in the 40-80 divisions (the 30s was a round robin) in singles.
Renata Marcinkowska overcame ankle and knee pain, strong winds and a determined Mariana Hollman to take the 40s title here for the first time. She edged Hollman in a well-played 3 set match 64 in the third. Marcinkowska injured her ankle in the first set, which she said may have helped her play, since she was more aggressive after the injury. Hollman’s doubles partner, Joni Hannah, made the same comment.
Jenny Grove caused the only upset in the 40 singles, beating Joni Hannah on the first day. She reached the semis where she fell to Ellen Markowitz 63 in the third. Markowitz played well all week from behind, and this match was no exception, Grove led 3-0 in the third set.
Hannah and Hollman played a nearly flawless doubles final to upset the top seeds (and defending world 35 doubles champions), Mary Dailey/Marcinkowska in the final 63 64.
Sherri Bronson played some long matches en route to the 50s final, beating Kathy Foulk in 3 sets in the quarters, and then first year 50s player Frances O’Sullivan 63 76 (6). Frances led 52 in the second before Bronson rallied to win the next 4 games. Carolyn Nichols beat the weary Bronson in the final 60 63, making fewer errors in the windy conditions. Frances finished third, beating Donna McKenna in the playoff. Lisa Laurie was 5th.
Cindy LePrevost/Nichols edged Bronson/Melanie Wheatley in the doubles final. It lasted nearly 3 hours since everyone (except LePrevost) was no where near the net for most of the match. LePrevost made the best of her positioning, knocking off numerous overhead and volley winners.