OK, Shelly Works having a long match isn’t really startling. Shelly and Judy Newman Rakela had a terrific match on center court, punch (Judy), counter punch (Shelly)…for 3 hours. Judy played a great first set, patiently waiting for her chances to come to net, and Shelly made adjustments to win the final sets. Shelly’s reward is to play her warm up partner, Fran Chandler in the semis. Rhona Kaczmarcyk and Mariana Hollman are in the other half.
Another long match as between #3 seeded Heather Fiscallini in the 65s and Lurline Fujii…3 hours. Lurline said she averaged an hour a set so that was about normal for her. Lurline won the battle. Also in the 65s, Charleen Hillebrand edged Linda Bucklin 5, 4, and Suella Steel outrallied defending champion Anne Russ 64 64, in a rematch of the 2009 final.
In the 55s, all the matches were done quickly. Sherri Bronson vs Tina Karwasky was also a rematch of the 2009 final, won again by Karwasky. Joanne Russell was impressive in beating Leslie Murvei 62 61. Mary Ginnard and Carolyn Nichols advanced, each dropping only a game.
In the 35s, play was underway for most of the players…I played next to the hard hitting Leslie Rose and nearby was Mary Beth Williams, another big hitter…a different generation of tennis.
In the 75s, Dorothy Matthiessen and Burnette Herrick moved smoothly along.
It was chilly, but still beautiful. The semis in most divisions are tomorrow…most at 11…some great tennis.