Another great year for USA League play. Between the Mixed, Seniors and Adult leagues, we had over 350 participants, a record for our local league. Several teams (more than I can ever recall) qualified for post season play. It appears our teams are becoming more competitive than ever.

The accomplishments of a few teams deserve special recognition. Marilyn Stine’s Super Senior (a senior to be reckoned with) women’s 3.0 team, by virtue of their win over the Westchester team on Sept. 14, have qualifed for the nationals held in Scottsdale Arizona this November. Team members include Mary DeMarco, Gail Clobridge, Eleanor Johnson, Mini Daub, Arline Kutz & Betty Carruthers.

Ann Engle’s 2.5 women’s team, which went all the way to the sectionals (state level of playoff competition), only one level away from nationals. This is quite a feat for relatively new competitiors. Team members include Ann, Donna Koffman, Amy Fischer, Tony LaSorte, Wendy Lounsberry, Laurie Salmon, Ann Engle, Deborah Hewison, Nancy Combs, Monique Dekleermaeker and Cholly Kashou .

And a special plaudit to Jeff Kopolow’s 4.5 men’s team, which qualified for the Nationals, October 9-12 in Tuscon, Arizona. Barely surviving a strong district league run out of Syracuse, this team was victorious in regional and sectional playoffs. Team members include Jeff, Jamey Savitch, Jordy Asher, Scott Smith, Larry Garrard, Frank Goroleski, Dan Santelli, Mason Sopchak, Keith Krech, Parker Gennett, Collin Crawford & Michael Starke.

Again, a big thanks to Joanne Raffa, our local league coordinator for going the extra mile and taking our tennis efforts to heart. Kudos to Reeta Hayes, who always manages to find each “stray” a happy home, and each league enough teams to compete. Please stay tuned on our website for USTA updates posted by Joanne, who will keep us all in the loop.