Scorcher in Portland

The temperature soared into the mid 90s today in Portland, not an unusual occurrence in July in Portland, but yesterday and today were the first time this year for the summer heat. Shade was at a premium and the players from the Pacific Northwest, most of whom play indoors most of the year were struggling with the heat and sun. On the other hand there were three rows of lounges set up behind the pool area and there were some club members basking in the sun during the short summer here.

I played at 8 this morning and it was pleasant. I played Gail Ashbrooke who had a three setter yesterday. Our match was much quicker and I won convincingly. Then I practiced my serve while Gail returned, all very civilized!

I play Sandy Garry tomorrow, in a repeat of last year’s final. She won in straight sets too. She’s a good player, it will be a fun match I think.

Manola Colter played Lisa Brougham from Washington. They had a long and well played first set, with Lisa doing damage with her backhand and net play, while Manola’s quick feet enabled her to get lots of balls back. After the first set, which Manola won 75, Lisa faded a bit and Manola got the range on her passing shots, winning 75 60. Manola got worked on by the interns from the chiropractic school after her singles today.

Manola and I played Lisa and her partner Maureen Strieb at 1:30…it was toasty but not too humid, and not too windy, actually nice playing conditions. We promptly fell behind a break at 3-0 and 4-1 before we changed our strategy and won 64 63. Manola played great, running down lots of balls and playing aggressively at net; I lobbed a lot. 🙂 Washington players Becky, Maureen and Lisa pictured below.

We play the #2 seeds, Becky Stapp/Sharon Bellusci in the doubles final tomorrow; they had a three set win today.

I am staying this week with my cousins, Don and Janet Beer, below. He reads this blog so I’d like to wish Don a speedy recovery from rotator cuff surgery.