Experience overcomes Power!

Down 3-5 in the 1st...DH takes 9 unanswered---helping her to win in straight-sets!

By Steve England-ESVN, (Fair and Balanced): Tennis is a game of adjustment, and as players figure out how to counter their opponent's advantages---the momentum will ebb and flow during the course of the match!

Finding herself down 3-5 in the 1st-set; DH clearly takes the momentum nearly sweeping the remaining games!  She took away from ZAH the one advantage he had... POWER!  By running her opponent around the court using well placed shots---often with surgical precision!  DH was able to prevent ZAH from ever getting a good swing at the ball!  DH only drops 1-game of the remaining 11 on her way to a straight-set victory!  DH advances to the Regional-Quarterfinals, while ZAH takes a trip north.  DH tops ZAH 7-5,6-1.

2nd-round plagued by rain delays!

By Steve England ESVN (Fair and Balanced) -This spring is now the wettest on record in Iowa.  Consequently, half of the 2nd-round matches will not get completed within the time-period allotted.  Schedule conflicts, vacations, business obligations all contribute to match delays.  These delays are understandable, but it's important to get back on schedule when we can.

HD's tournament is a Trial-by-Fire!!!

Broadway steamrolls his rookie opponent! BW wins 6-0,6-1!

By Steve England - ESVN (Fair and Balanced):  Broadway is right!  This was indeed a poor bracket placement for HD!  Tennis is a game that is tremendously challenging and exciting when two individuals of similar abilities face-off from opposite sides of the net!  It's also a game that can  leave each player frustrated and unfulfilled if there's a significant gap in their levels of play.  Unfortunately, the initial bracket placement for a player in their rookie year can be far from accurate!  The good thing is that HD's matches should get easier!  Hang in there young man!  The bracket is designed to eventually move you to the proper level. Meanwhile, you may not realize this... but your Trial-by-Fire is making you better!

Rain Delays 3-matches today!

DNR/TJ, JI/KC, DH,ZAH all postponed due to weather!

Wow... It doesn't get any closer!

Surviving match-point down - KN earns the crown!

Harmon Park, by Steve England - ESVN (Fair and Balanced): A powerful forehand propels KN to a 5-0 lead in the first, before RB even gets on the board!  RB plays catch-up early in the second, but takes the match to three, by hitting a winning streak of four in a row!

The final-set was any ones to take! KN finds himself perilously close to defeat, but fights off a match-point down!  Then, after surviving a multi-deuce battle to tie 5-5, KN inches ahead to hold his own match-point against RB!  Now RB is forced to step-up to fight off sudden death!  RB wins the game for a 6-6 tie in the third, and now we're going to a third-set tie-breaker!

Again, it was any one's match to win!  Tied one-set all, 6-all, and now (5-5) in the breaker - KN gets the edge when RB hits long, and now leads (6-5)!  On match-point, each player battles for what seems like an eternity, when KN gets position at the net!  KN rips a forehand crosscourt, but he hits the rim of his racket!  Although a miss-hit, the shot falls in - just beyond RB's range!  KN inches by RB 6-1,3-6,7-6(7-5).
    

TowerTennis T-shirts have arrived!

BLL models our TowerTennis T-shirts:

Match in Profile: JI vs KC

Two rookies will soon battle for dominance! 

In their first year playing in the TowerTennis Championship, both JI and KC have achieved victory in the first-round!  Now, they face each other for a chance to advance!  The victor of this High-Profile match will move on to the East Quarterfinals!  Both young women share many similarities... from their ages to motherhood to natural athletic ability!  These two young ladies will surprise, inspire, and intimidate!

Don't miss what will be an outstanding match to witness!  Match time will be announced as soon as players decide!

CA advances to West Quarterfinals!

CA tops RM in a three-set battle... 6-3,3-6,6-2!

Prologue by Steve England ESVN-Fair and Balanced: First-year rookie RM has played two matches this tournament, and been able to force a third set in each match!  RM is skilled in many  sports - now adding tennis to his repertoire.  CA's ability to persevere against a natural athlete like RM is testament to Chris's increasing abilities!


Crossroads Park, By Chris Axtell: "The greatest advantage I had on the court was not my quick reflex, strategy, or deadly accurate shot, it was my esteemed opponent's unforced errors.  The first set gave me some motivation to power through the second and remain hopeful for the third.  As the third came my serve was becoming more refined and RM came into his game a little better too.  We were able to produce some impressive volleys and exciting kill shots.  In the end it was double faults and unforced errors that won me the game:)"

CA serves to RM
photo by Mary Axtell

MM avenged in near shutout!

After losing a close three set match last year... MM takes no prisoners in quest to avenge himself!  

Waveland Tennis Complex, Des Moines, IA. By Steve England ESVN - Fair and Balanced: Last year MM lead 5-1 in the Final-Set only to lose 5-7!  This loss left a mark on Mark... a mental mark of determination!  The scars of this loss followed MM all winter - motivating him to develop his strokes, hone his skills, and improve his game!  When MM sets out to do something, he does it!  This year, KB and MM were matched up in the first-round again, and this presented an opportunity MM may have been waiting for!  With stroke execution, consistency, and strategic placement, MM easily powers his way to victory!  MM defeats KB 6-1,6-0.

TowerTennis/HyVee Exhibition Match:

Champ comes out on top during Exhibition!

CA falls to JG 6-4,6-2!

photo by the champ

photo by the champ

Unrefined power no match for steady consistency!

By Steve England ESVN - Fair and Balanced: Although CA has a classic tennis physique, and can generate extreme racket-head speed... it simply doesn't win games if it doesn't land in.  JG's approach to "just get it back into play" illustrates this point.  In his rookie year JG achieves that elusive 1st TowerTennis victory!  Joining the ranks of ZAH, KC, and JI as 1st-year victors!  Congratulations JG, but watch out for CA!  CA's potential is merely a matter of practice, refinement, and control of his explosive stroke!

A report on CA/JG's match - KB By Keith Belling - Roving Reporter Today's action at South Karen Acres Park (SKAP) saw wonderful weather in a gorgeous setting. The veteran CA squared off against a newcomer, JG, in an idyllic setting. SKAP is a neighborhood jewel, nestled in a scenic, wooded location free of traffic and distraction. In accessible by car, players and spectators had to hike long distances to this remote beauty. But it was worth it... Once there, the action began. CA relied heavily on a vicious serve that had JG on his heels. Perhaps CA has been practicing this maneuver? It was a vicious thing of beauty and certainly looked like a difference-maker. JG countered with steady, not-as-spectacular, relatively error-free play (borrowed from DR's playbook?). It was a good match-up. Play unfolded with both sides making their share of good hits and gaffes alike. The tide began to turn in JG's favor though. Was it that moment when CA self-destructed? The 30 seconds when CA's serves went by JG at eye level and hit an off-court KB in the foot? And also would've drilled TB in the face had he not raised an arm in self-defense? Hmm... In any event, JG's steady play began to win the day. Good luck in continued rounds! Spectators included CA's wife, Mary, and their two girls. Matt Sopcic and Keith Belling served as ballboys, tweeters and occasional scoring/memory consultants.

KN shuts out HD! 6-0,6-0

photo by KN

Youth no match for experience!

By Steve England ESVN - Fair and Balanced: HD joins the tournament as a beginner, and although he has youth and vigor on his side - KN sweeps the court with the young man!  HD was the highest rated TowerTennis Rookie this year according to Fantasy Commentator Sheriff-Dan.  The rookie averaged 10.1 point assignments among Fantasy Players.  The promise within is surely deep inside... it's just a matter of practice to bring it to the surface!  Meanwhile, this match-up was perhaps unfair.  KN is a TowerTennis veteran, who in previous encounters with myself demonstrated power, strategy, and stroke!

Dynasty Champ falls to Dean in Three!!!

Dean spins his way to victory... Outlasting a fatigued younger man! 

Harmon Park, By Steve England ESVN- Fair and Balanced:  Benefiting from his own improved fitness, and a Dynasty Champ suffering from Acid Reflux - Dean pulls off the upset of the year!

In their history of tournament play - Dean has only beaten JT one other time, when JT rolled his ankle in 2011.  This time, JT was able to play until the bitter end!  The 1st-set starts off with JT finding himself down early! JT battles back from a 0-2 deficit to lead 3-2 after blasting an ace past Dean!  Dean then finds ways to win taking two more games and holding a 40-love lead, but lets a commanding opportunity slip through his fingers as JT's power forehand pressures DR!  JT overcomes the deficit taking 3-games straight to win the 1st-set 6-3.

Noticeably fatigued leading into the 2nd-set, JT errors allowing Dean to jump ahead early. A questionable call helps Dean to extend his lead, but almost gives the match away when on set-point, JT hits long only to have Dean gift him the point! What could have been a devastating mistake ends up to matter not when Dean closes out the set with a 6-2 victory!

Tied one-set all, winded and suffering from reflux - The final set begins close early, but jumps to DR's favor after a series of JT errors!  Dean continued strong to the end, and closes out the match 3-6,6-2,6-3!

History Repeats! BY serves CD some heat!

By Curt Danielson TTN: Once again BY shows CD that there is nothing he can do to beat him.  CD has never won a match against BY.  Going into it CD may have psyched himself out thinking about their history.  Neither player had played yet this season so it was a battle of under prepared pros.  With a game time temp of 85 degrees BY was loving it and CD was wishing he had rescheduled.   In the first set, BY goes up 2-0 before CD finally found somewhat of a serve and gets one back.  Unfortunately that is the only game BY would give up in the first set, he used his amazing drop shot with backspin to beat CD 6-1.  In the second set the heat was also beating CD, however he manages to go up 2-0 with a few ace serves.  That was all BY would allow, he rockets some serves and CD starts to self-destruct by hitting into the net, over the fence, and off the side of his racket.    BY took advantage of this and destroys CD 6-2.  Both players are looking forward to upcoming matches and the hope that they will see each other again in the tournament.

Champ continues to dominate! TB tops SV 6-4, 6-3!

Skill & Experience not enough against this kind of Energy and Brawn!

Harmon Park, By Steve England ESVN - Fair and Balanced: The Defending Champ and SV have met on the battle field four times in the past three seasons.  The Champ fell to SV twice back in 2011 (once in the rain), but easily dispatched SV in their 2012 encounter!  Sopcic didn't even lose a set as he went on to win the 2012 Championship!  The Defending Champ is certainly the man to beat this year! With decisive victories over Dynasty Champ-JT, and today's straight-set victory over former Two-Time Champion-SV, Sopcic is looking unstoppable again!  

In today's battle with the defending champ, SV occasionally was able to work Sopcic wide to open the court, but had mixed results when attempting to hit the winner.  Frequently Sopcic would still reach the ball, and return it into play with enough velocity to make it difficult to hit a winner off his return!  SV's serve and volley approach was mostly neutralized by Sopcic's effective lobbing. This caused SV to expend considerable energy - tiring SV for several points afterwards.  When SV punished Sopcic on his weaker second-serve, Sopcic made strategic adjustments targeting SV's backhand!  This tactic proved successful, and neutralized yet another weapon SV was using to stay competitive.  With effective adjustments, and superior fitness - the champ countered every advance SV made, and achieved victory with only moderate difficulty.  Sopcic defeats SV 6-4,6-3.

Upset!!! CG takes down DNR!

By Chris Chase - In his own words: "CG expects to get waxed. CG wins first game of initial set then loses 3 in a row. Down 1-3 we work our way up to 5-5. At some point I started serving hard thinking I had nothing to lose against a superior opponent. It turned out to work nicely in my favor. Neither one of us could remember how the tie breaker would work so I decided to not allow the match to get to that point. Second set CG had good serves and luck on his side. DNR had not touched his racket since last year and will be back with a chip on his shoulder, Ted would be wise to wear a nut cup and not bring his girlfriend to the match."

Could a Star be Born? JI shocks BLL!

By Steve England ESVN - Fair and Balanced: This was the first time either of these two TowerTennis participants have engaged in competition. They were unknowns when the bracket placements were made, but now we have a taste of what to expect! BLL has mastered the scoring and positioning - while JI can swing a wicked racket! The velocity of Julie's shots rivals that of the male players! My mouth dropped when BLL hit a great shot deep to Julie's left corner, only to see JI track it down, get position, then rip a backhand crosscourt for a winner!  BLL demonstrated quick reflexes deflecting rockets fired her way!  Julie however, already processes a formidable serve! She aced BLL to score the first point of the match, and can stroke with respectable pace both the forehand and backhand!  The young woman has talent, and with practice could advance quickly through the bracket!

An interview with BLL before her first match!

Breaking News: Champs season in jeopardy!

TowerTennis Champion Sopcic is scheduled for an MRI on his left knee.  The Champ injured his knee in 2007, but ignored treatment! This season the pain has increased to the point that the Champ sought medical attention! The Champ's pain may be from a torn meniscus.  The likelihood of surgery will put a sudden end to the Champ's 2013 season!

KC tops ASH 6-3, 6-4!

By Steve England, ESVN (fair and balanced) - In the 1st all-female match ever - two first-year players ASH and KC battle for every point! Their rallies were long, and both sets were in question before KC pulled away each time.  Tied at 4-4 in the second-set, it looked like a third was possible!  By holding her serve KC gets the edge - forcing ASH to serve for survival!  KC breaks ASH's serve at love to win the match 6-3,6-4!

Each player will face other first-year participants in the next round, so more close ones are possibly on the horizon for these two!

SV rallies to prevent three! SV defeats DR 6-3,6-3!

DR surrenders his new can of balls to SV! 

By Steve England, ESVN (fair and balanced) - In a decade of competing with each other, DR and SV have faced one another many times - they know each other's strengths, and weaknesses.  In preparation for this match, both players have been working hard at the gym, and generally trying to become more fit to improve their games. Today Dean had three goals in mind for this match-up:  First, he wanted to prevent getting shutout!  Second, he wanted to win a set!! Third, he wanted to win the match!!!  Meanwhile, SV's goal was to win 6-0,6-0!  Neither player today achieved all they wanted!  Instead, what we got was a competitive battle - where both players fought hard, ran one another around the court, engaged in numerous rallies, and had a blast!

The pivotal moment was midway through the second-set, tied 3-all with Dean leading 40-15!  Just one more point, and Dean takes the lead and captures the momentum to take the set!  Knowing that a third-set is never good when you're prone to cramping... SV rallies to take the game and neutralize Dean's threat!  SV goes on to take the next two games, and with them the match.

Champ defends postponing Exhibition Match!

A lack of rain turns into shame!

SV injured during practice!

Taking advantage of the perfect weather conditions. SV and Andrew hone their skills after their opponents shy away from the possibility of rain! Could this delay tactic have worked in at least DR's favor? Perhaps so, as SV lies in agony after twisting his leg out of it's hip socket. None the less… the two time former champion will lick his wounds and come out blazing against Dean. High noon tomorrow May 10th at Harmon.

RB battles back to take match in three!

RB defeats BW 3-6,6-3,6-2! 

By Steve England ESVN (Fair and Balanced): Consistency and fitness wins the match for RB!  This was an awesome match to witness!  These two were like gladiators fighting to the death!  RB's fitness regimen has served him well!  In fact, some of BW's shots were so well placed they should have been clear winners.  When out of the blue - Ryan reaches the shot and returns it!

In the first-set BW managed to neutralize RB's dreaded-drop, but tennis is a game of adjustment.  Having no success with a shot which had served him well during their last encounter.  RB changes tactics and finds his forehand!  The consistency of RB's strokes coupled with his ability to reach virtually every shot, made him a tough opponent for an equally fit and determined young man.  In the end BW's power game fell to RB's consistency!

DR/SV Showdown-Rescheduled for High Noon Friday!

With a strong possibility of rain during Thursday's scheduled match between the senior-guard... DR and SV agree to meet under the sun at high-noon tomorrow Friday May 10, at Harmon Park.

Rain delay prolongs the anticipated battle!

Although rained out on Wednesday, BW/RB hope to engage each other again Thursday May 9th at 1:15pm.  In last year's match between these two bitter rivals - BW shines at first storming out to a 4-0 lead, then winning the 1st-set 6-2.  Pleased with his performance up to this point.  BW is shocked when things fall apart in the 2nd, and 3rd!  RB makes effective use of drop-shots to shut BW out for the remaining two sets!  RB's win over BW last year positioned him well for a playoff berth, while throwing BW into the Northeast Regional where heavyweights like TB and OC awaited.

Will this year bring change?  Will BW counter RB's dropshots?  Come on out and see for yourself!  1:15pm Harmon Park.

Super Tennis-Tuesday concludes four matches!

On a perfect day for tennis the rackets were out in force!  Not only were four 1st-round matches completed, but Andrew from HyVee Fitness, MM, JG, and SV all got to practice as well!  The first match of the morning was a three-setter between KI and RM.  Although this is RM's first year playing in the tournament, he took the more experienced KI to three, before KI's court-smarts prevailed: 6-2,4-6,6-2.

In last year's tournament TJ (changed from TR) surprised everyone with close victories over many unexpected opponents.  TJ didn't lose a match until he faced the eventual champ in the east final.  This year starts out with yet another close match, but this time TJ faced Schewe!  Recovered from a recent hand injury - Schewe takes the tie-breaker in the first 7-6(7-3), then edges a victory in the second 6-4!

Looking for redemption from a close three-setter last year - AS was looking to even the score, but a much improved DH shuts him down in straight sets!  DH easily wins 6-2,6-2.

In the final match of Super Tennis-Tuesday the Dynasty Champ faced off with his nemesis - the reigning champ himself... Sopcic!  JT was looking for payback, but the defending champ is determined to achieve yet another title!  JT has the strokes which carried him to an unprecedented four titles, but the patient champ bides his time well - striking like a viper when his opponent is out of position.  The defending champ shuts JT down 6-1,6-4!

Impromptu Inaugural Match begins match play!

With a recent vote in congress, Delano's RTF delay gets lifted!  Now faced with a short few days before leaving for school - DS foregoes much wanted practice for a chance to play!  Meanwhile, ZAH quickly changes plans as well, even getting a last second baby sitter so he could play!  Both these player's went above and beyond to complete their match before work obligations prevented them from matching up!

Not only was this the first match of the season, but it was also the first time ZAH has played in a TowerTennis event!  He came well prepared, and easily advances to the 2nd-round by defeating an unprepared Delano 6-2, 6-0.  ZAH will go on to play the winner of tomorrow's AS/DH match, while DS may miss the 2nd-round while in OKC!

Match Announcement: JT vs TB

Exhibition Match!

In exhibition - The TowerTennis Champion will take on the Professional Fitness Manager of HyVee Fitness!

Thursday May 9th

5pm

Harmon Park

All TowerTennis participants are encouraged to come out and witness what should be an outstanding demonstration of tennis ability!