SV advances to semifinals.

DNR starts strong, dominating the first half of the 1st!

SV would hit a monster serve -- only to see it returned down the line for a winner!  DNR couldn't do any wrong, and quickly jumps to a 3-0 lead.  SV holds, but Doug is now serving for a chance at a 4-1 edge, and is only one point away!  SV knows this is the pivotal point in the set, and probably the match.  Deuce after deuce after deuce goes by -- then finally SV squeaks out 2-points in a row!  What could have been an insurmountable lead for DNR, is now 3-2 with SV serving for a tie.  After getting pounded by DNR's service return -- SV changes from a flat power-serve, to a spinning kick-serve.  DNR seemed to have more difficulty with the slower serve, and SV goes on to win six straight to take the 1st-set.

In the 2nd -- DNR quickly wins the 1st-game, but SV takes 4 before DNR wins another.  At this point -- another SV win will probably put the match out of reach for DNR.  DNR battles for this game, but eventually it goes to SV.  Doug's heart wasn't in it after this.  Doug makes numerous unforced errors in the last game, culminating with a double-fault on triple match-point down.  SV slips by DNR 6-3,6-2.

Scott ends CA's tournament!

Hoping for his 1st TowerTennis victory, CA's ambitions malfunction at the Junction! 

Leading 4-2 after a couple service breaks, and a hold.  CA looks like his quest is on track, but double faults at game-point down.  This keeps Scott within striking range, permitting Scott to later tie the set with a lunging winner -- off an Axtell drop-shot.  Serving after Scott ties the set... Axtell volleys wide, a shot which would have sailed long.  This gives Scott a 5-4 edge, followed by a service hold for the win.

In the 2nd -- Both players show signs of stress as the heat-index climbs to 107 degrees.  Axtell desides to trash-talk from the shady side after finding himself down 1-4, and unlikely to recover.  Bent over clutching his stomach -- Axtell's hunger adds to his suffering, but he continues to play.  Knowing that a come back victory would prolong his pain.  Axtell double faults at 1-5 while trying to stay alive.  Despite saving one match-point down -- CA soon succumbs to AS, and is eliminated from this year's tournament.  AS wins 6-4,6-1!

Sopcic destroys Angry-Jeff!

In a match between two 1st-year players... Sopcic (this year's surprise tennis phenomenon) mops the court with yet another promising player (Angry-Jeff).
Angry-Jeff had not tasted defeat until today. Then he went up against Buzz-Saw Sopcic! Sopcic defeats Angry-Jeff 6-0,6-0.
Sopcic's game is quite impressive for his level of experience.  Angry-Jeff shouldn't feel bad -- Buzz-Saw Sopcic has surprised all of the top players during practice matches in Norwalk.  Although still not demonstrating "Classic" tennis strokes. Sopcic gets to virtually everything, and puts virtually everything into play.  This ability alone, will win most matches at our level.  He also benefits from youth, and fitness.  Watch out.. if this guy starts ripping classic strokes like OC!  It will be virtually impossible to stop him!  A championship awaits this young man!  The question is... will it be this year, or next?

Experience prevails over youth... KN tops BW 6-2,6-4.

KN's powerful forehand punishes BW! BW starts strong -- breaking KN at love, but can't hold against KN's forehand attack!  Down 2-3 but serving -- BW knows he needs to win to stay close, but KN volleys over BW's head for the edge!  Now leading 4-2 in the 1st -- KN's forehand seems unstoppable as he advances for a 6-2 victory.

In the 2nd -- BW starts strong with a 2-1 lead, but let's most opportunities past him by.  Meanwhile, KN jumps on it when he can -- keeping BW on defense!  BW predicts 3-sets when he breaks KN, then holds for a 4-2 lead -- but KN dominates the remainder of the set (as evidenced by KN's lunging drop for a winner as he crashes into the fence)! KN takes a straight set victory over BW 6-2,6-4.
KN vs BW 2011 Podcast by towertennis

. 

 

DNR builds big lead in the 3rd... Too much for BY to overcome!

DNR gets an edge in the 1st, rest in the 2nd, then builds a formidable lead in the 3rd.  Loving the approach shot, followed by a pounding volley game at the net.  DNR runs Steve side to side - a great tactic, but one which frequently goes awry!  Steve counters with high slicing lobs, and extreme spinning drops.

Both players run each other ragged for nearly 3-hours in oppressive humidity, when Steve finds himself down 0-5 in the 3rd.  Fighting to stay alive - Steve ratchets up his game hitting multiple 1st-serves, and saving multiple match-points before succumbing to DNR's insurmountable lead.  DNR defeats BY 6-4,1-6,6-2.

MN volleys his way to victory!

Net assault succeeds for Angry-Jeff! Down 1-4 in the 1st - Scott chips away at Angry-Jeff's lead closing to 3-4.  Scott allows a golden opportunity to tie slip through his fingers, as Angry-Jeff breaks for a 5-3 lead, then holds serve for the win!

In the 2nd Scott jumps to a 4-1 lead, and is poised to level the match, but can't finish Angry-Jeff off!  Angry-Jeff survives a marathon multi-deuce game at 2-4 which opened the door for a comeback.  Scott fends off an Angry-Jeff attempt to tie late in the 2nd, and pushes ahead to serve for the set at 5-3.  Suddenly, Angry-Jeff discovers that attacking the net with a magazine full of volleys punches holes in Scott's defences.  Angry-Jeff punishes Scott at the net, then overtakes Scott to lead 6-5!  Scott fights to stay alive - shooting down 3 match-points down before falling to the 4th.  MN remains undefeated!  MN over AS 6-3, 7-5.

Angry Jeff finds success with net attack!

OC routs RB

In an elimination match, both OC and RB fight to stay alive. Only one would emerge to play again, while the other waits until next year! OC dominates the points in a straight-set rout of RB! OC wins 6-0,6-1.

Nate eliminates RB!

Happy with his victory over RB, OC describes how the match which eliminated Ryan unfolded.

Broadway brings the heat!

CD retires midway through the 2nd! Despite winning the 1st, and ahead 3-1 in the 2nd. When Broadway heats things up and closes to 3-all. CD shows symptoms of heat exhaustion. CD is forced to retire, despite an impressive lead.  BW over CD 4-6,4-2 (retired).

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• confusion
• dark-colored urine (which indicates dehydration)
• dizziness
• fainting
• fatigue
• headache
• muscle cramps
• nausea
• pale skin
• profuse sweating
• rapid heartbeat

Treatment for Heat Exhaustion

If you or anyone else has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it's essential to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned environment. If you can't get inside, try to find the nearest cool and shady place.
Other recommended strategies include:

• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
• Apply other active cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.

If such measures fail to provide relief within 30 minutes, contact a doctor because untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
After you've recovered from heat exhaustion, you'll probably be more sensitive to high temperatures during the following week. So it's best to avoid hot weather and heavy exercise until your doctor tells you that it's safe to resume your normal activities.

Risk Factors for Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is strongly related to the heat index, which is a measurement of how hot you feel when the effects of relative humidity and air temperature are combined. A relative humidity of 60% or more hampers sweat evaporation, which hinders your body's ability to cool itself.
The risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs to 90 degrees or more. So it's important -- especially during heat waves -- to pay attention to the reported heat index, and also to remember that the heat index is even higher when you are standing in full sunshine, and higher yet on the tennis court.
If you live in an urban area, you may be especially prone to develop heat exhaustion during a prolonged heat wave, particularly if there are stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. In what is known as the "heat island effect," asphalt and concrete tennis courts store heat during the day and only gradually release it at night, resulting in much higher court-side temperatures.

Schewe hopes for rematch with Broadway!

MM explains how he serves...

KS eliminates MM!

Schewe start's strong with a 4-0 lead, but MM battles back to close to 3-4 before Schewe finishes the 1st-set with a 6-3 win.
In the 2nd- MM begins strong - leaping to a 3-0 lead before Schewe can score.  Schewe closes, but MM holds him off at 4-2.  Schewe then steps it up, and wins each remaining game! KS takes out his OJTI in straight sets 6-3,6-4.

KS vs MM Podcast by towertennis

Sopcic calls out JT!

DH gracious about bad bracket placement!

TB continues his winning ways!

DH (victim of a bad bracket placement) took on this year's big surprise. DH has a history of competing with the boys, but this one beats everyone he plays! TB gives DH a straight set loss 6-0,6-2.

DK surges late in the 2nd... But falls to SV 6-2,6-3!

Frustrated by SV's service game - DK mixes up his own variety of serves with a sneak underhand, followed by a powerful ace.  Down 0-4 in the 2nd... DK surges to close the set to 3-4, and is threatening to level it at 4-all, but SV counters to suppress DK's threat.
SV goes on to win 6-2,6-3 in a match which was much closer than the score indicates.


Play-by-play Podcast of the DK/SV match by Kyle Schewe
Podcast of DK vs SV by Kyle Schewe

KN has a FRAKING HOT match! Topping MM in a 3-set oven bake!

KN tops MM 3-6,6-3,6-2. Story under development.

"It's Fraking HOT!" says Battlestar fan KN.

MM plagued by heat and prosthetic malfunction!