The singles and doubles semis were played in all women’s age divisions in La Jolla today other than the 90s, which has round robins going in singles and doubles.
Ros Nideffer, the 50s defending champion, and a former top 20 player, was nearly perfect in her 60 61 win over #4 seeded Anna Zimmermann. Anna commented that Ros just didn’t give her any time… Ros also moves really well and makes few errors. Natalie Herreman Bagby the #2 seed had a much tougher time with #3 seeded Judy Newman. Herreman Bagby, like Ros, a former touring pro (topping out in the top 50) was making her debut at this tournament. The lefty who played for France in her touring pro days, won the first set handily before Newman fought back to take the second. The third was tight before Natalie pulled away to win the last three games. Judy commented that she was just trying to get a game when the match began, but by the start of the third believed she could win the match. However, Newman had a nice win over Zimmermann/Kristen Fudala in doubles, combining with Beach Club member/star Jenny Rens Keller to win 61 61. Fudala said that Rens/Newman returned and attacked well.
In the 60s, I beat Sherri Bronson 60 60. The second set though was much closer than the score, as we had several deuce games and lots of long rallies throughout the match. I will play Tina Karwasky, the four-time defending champion in the final. She took out Leslie Murveit 62 62. Leslie said she played well, and that it was a good match. Leslie got a measure of revenge though against Tina when she combined with Andrea Barnes to upset top seeded Karwasky/Jan Kirkland-Cochran 62 76(5) to advance to the doubles final tomorrow. They will play Robin Harris and me. We beat #3 seeded Bronson/Ann Stanley. We won 60 60, though there were several close games and some really fun points. Robin played great, again to absolutely no one’s surprise!
In the 70s Brenda Carter cruised past Charlene Hillebrand 61 61, but for the second straight day Betty Wachob had to go three tough sets to advance to the final. She took out Cathie Anderson to reach the final against her doubles partner. Anderson though combined with Carolann Castell to upset the #2 seeds, Anne Russ and Jane Pang. They face Carter/Wachob who beat Ann Hunt/Judy Louie in straight sets.
The 80s final is set too. Dori deVries beat her doubles partner, Carol Wood 60 62. Carol commented that Dori moved amazingly well, better than she ever has. DeVries will take on Dorothy Matthiessen in the final. Dorothy beat Mary John Lynch in the semis. In doubles, Wood/DeVries take on Matthiessen/Judy Smith in the final.
In the 90s, Rita Price/Betty Cookson (shown below) and Elaine Mason/Cathie Hall seem set for a collision course in doubles, while Price is dominating the singles with her dancing feet.
Click here to see all results and draws, including the men’s results and draws.