— Richmond Tennis Association

Age 18+ RTA Women’s 4.0 EAST BAY Champions!!

We had our Championship match on July 17th-2022. We faced off against a tough Claremont RS team. Given that Claremont RS is the same team going to Nationals for the 40+ W4.0 we all expected a tough challenge ahead of us, Claremont RS brought out a really strong lineup against us But, our fearless warriors were ready. Here's what happened in chronological order:

#1 Doubles Andra Kavuma and Jenny Chen faced off against Claremont RS best Doubles team. Andra and Jenny fought bravely from the baseline and opportunistically came to the net to close out points when given the chance. Unfortunately, the Claremont duo were too solid and consistent on all corners. Great effort Andra and Jenny way to fight yesterday, I am sorry you didn't get the big W, but it was not for trying!!! Claremont was up 1-0. Score 1-6, 3-6.

#2 Singles What a match Alison had yesterday. Alison having played her opponent before when the team travelled to their home courts at Claremont hotel & resort and with that experience from the previous match Alison was in control right from the get go It was a super consistent and totally dominated match by Alison. When Alison’s opponent came to the front courts after her match she was really frustrated and angry . Alison’s win gave us some confidence because we were tie 1-1 now. Score 6-2, 6-2.

#1 Singles Marina Wills played against a strong singles players. Claremont RS brought in their undefeated singles player against us but they didn’t count that we have Marina on our side. Marina defeated a very young opponent with patience, consistency and moving her side to side was able to frustrate her younger opponent. Marina was able to absorb her opponent's power shots and be consistent. Marina won the match with an awesome crosscourt return shot. Well done Marina . Score 7-5, 6-3. This gave our team more confidence as we now lead 2-1.

#3 Doubles Kari Kramer and Flor Salinas faced off against a strong doubles team, this CRS double team had a younger player that was chasing down every ball. Kari and Flor started strong leading the 1st set 5-1 but something click on the younger player that started chasing down and putting our players in an uncomfortable position. Kari and Flor started making some errors and Claremont got close on the score 5-3. Kari and Flor regained their focus and were able to serve out the first set confidently. the 2nd set was close with both teams sharing brakes and some terrible line calls but the older Claremont player. Our players were able to break at 4-4 and where ready to serve it out at 5-4 our team was 30-15 in the game when Kari sent an ace down the T, Claremont player returned the ball into the net and when our team was ready to serve 40-15 older CRS player said that it wasn’t an ace and the ball was out she said that the ball left a mark on the court and it was out. Our players replayed the point but lost focus and Claremont broke back score 5-5 . Kari and Flor put the last game behind really fast because they broke again and serve for the match at 6-5 . Our players played really strongly the last game and closed it out confidently. It was a difficult match because of the older player constant complaining about our cheering. Claremont Captain got on my nerves and complained to me about it. This win gave the team victory and bragging rights in a tough East Bay League and secured a trip to Elk Grove for Sectionals. Score 6-3, 7-5

#2 doubles Noa and Caitlin played a strong team from Claremont RS. dominated right from the gates, racing to a 4-1 lead in the 1st set but the Claremont team composed themselves and started to play better broke our team when N/C were serving for the set 5-4 and forcing a set tiebreaker N/C were able to focus and won the tiebreaker 7-5. Things got tougher in the 2nd set. The Claremont RS duo forced a 2nd set tiebreak, which they pulled out. Noa and Caitlin have looked stronger each week they play together. Knowing that we already have clinched victory they decided to play a super tiebreaker. Our warriors mixed in touch lobs and sheer power at the net. Noa and Caitlin played big in the 3rd set super tiebreaker, leading throughout and taking home a 7-6, 6-7, 10-7 win. Nice playing Noa and Caitlin . Team Victory 4-1.

In the very difficult East Bay league, we were able to prevail and earned a well deserved trip to Sectionals. So, All players should be extremely proud because it wasn’t easy.

Special thanks to Jon ( cheering from the distance), Garry, and everybody for coming out to support the team even though they were not in the lineup.

Next Up

Our fearless warriors will travel to Elk Grove, Laguna Creek Racquet Club to compete at Sectionals August 5- 7. We can do this team!

Jorge Salinas

18+ RTA Women’s 4.0 Captain