This is a bit late…but the final between Martha Downing and Brenda Carter was intriguing. Carter was the defending 60s champion and Downing the defending 55s title holder. Downing started well, forging a 31 40-0 lead, but Carter won 4 straight points and took a 5th to narrow the gap to 3-2 when Downing fell and though she got up quickly, seemed to move gingerly on her left leg, the one with the knee brace. However, she continued to play, and played well. Carter won the first set 64 but Downing adapted (it was only their 2nd meeting, the other coming several years ago in the 55s on hard courts and won 75 in the third by Carter). Downing finally won the match 75 in the third, with the critical game being the one at 5-5, Downing serving at 0-40 and rallying to hold. Downing also won the doubles, with Kathy Bennett, over Carter/Wachob.

Carol Clay took the bronze with a strong 75 60 win over Betty Wachob. Molly Hahn/Judy Louie took the bronze over Clay/Ellen Goodman. Pat Keleman beat both Wilma Lee and Molly Hahn on the last day of play to place 5th in singles.

In the 50s, Pam Cooke and Carolyn Nichols beat Chris Ramsower-Pearlstein and Kim Lackey 61 63 to take the bronze. Lackey and Cooke were both suffering from sprained ankles and Cooke from a very sore shoulder (surgery soon)…welcome to the 50s Pam and Kim. Chris took 5th in 50s singles over Rita Giles 60 76.

As always it was a really nice tournament. There were discussions of the ITF clothing rules (logo size limitations, matching outfits for doubles); chairs calling all lines…(but it was nice to have so many umpires for matches); but there were 2 nice dinners, a beach party and also a fabulous cocktail party on Tuesday night; lots of great tennis and it was a priviledge to be a LJBTC member for a week. Many thanks to Bill Kellogg, Pierrette Featherby and the staff, volunteers and sponsors for a great week, and to the LJBTC members for letting us play at their club.