The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization's (WPRO's) has released updated rankings following last weekend's Terrapin Shootout in Laurel, Maryland. There are no changes in the top 10, but Angela Grisar - a former top 5 WPRO player - is now back up to 11th ahead of T. J. Baumbaugh, Jo Shattuck and Keely Franks.
WPRO Rankings March 29, 2011
Rank Name Nationality Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1719.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1543.30
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 966.20
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 832.20
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 514.55
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 448.95
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 414.10
8 Krystal Csuk (USA) 337.20
9 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 334.80
10 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 300.78
11 Angela Grisar (Chile) 236.00
12 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 225.50
13 Jo Shattuck (USA) 222.80
14 Keely Franks (USA) 221.50
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 214.00
16 Nancy Enriquez (Mexico) 199.48
17 Vivian Gomez (USA) 147.00
18 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
19 Anita Maldonaldo (USA) 125.50
20 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 118.80
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Playing at 60? On the pro tour? Seriously?
Recently, Ruben Gonzalez, racquetball legend and former #1 men's pro player, signed an agreement with Ektelon that will see him play on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) the next two seasons with the stated goal of being in the top 10 when he turns 60 on July 22, 2012.
Yes, 60. Sixty. Six decades on the planet.
The collective response to this around The Racquetball Blog office has been a collective "huh?" We don't wonder why Ektelon is doing this, as it's a great promotional thing. Gonzalez is an esteemed member of the racquetball community, so it's completely understandable that Ektelon would like to align itself with him.
Indeed, Gonzalez is so esteemed that this move has not been met with out and out derision. But a sixty year old thinking he can be a top 10 pro racquetball player? Who's kidding who here?
Racquetball is a speed and power game requiring significant flexibility, and all of those qualities decrease significantly with age. They decrease even if one remains active, as Gonzalez has. He remains a very good player, and has a streak of making at least the Round of 16 once (or more) for 28 consecutive IRT seasons, though he has yet to do so this season.
But making the 16s once a season is much different from being in the top 10 at the end of a season.
However, consider for a moment that Gonzalez is able to do that: be a top 10 player at 60. How would that reflect on the other IRT players? Short answer: badly.
If a 60 year old can be a top 10 IRT player then it begs the question as to how good the IRT field is. And if a 60 can be a top 10 IRT player it doesn't put anyone winning IRT events in a good light, so Kane Waselenchuk, the current IRT #1, should be rooting against Gonzalez because if Gonzalez is successful it suggests that all of Waselenchuk's wins are partly due to a lower quality pool of IRT players compared with past years.
Perhaps Gonzalez's plan is to play all the events, make the 16s at each, and hope that gets him enough points to be in the top 10. But he'd have to pass players currently on the edge of the top 10 - such as Charlie Pratt and Anthony Herrera, who have both won matches against higher ranked competition this season. Could Gonzalez beat anyone in the top 8?
Of course, the game is played on the court not on paper or in the imagination, but we can't imagine Gonzalez defeating anyone currently in the top 8.
Gonzalez's top 10 goal is good for him and Ektelon, and from a marketing perspective maybe even the IRT and racquetball in general.
But it's craziness.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Yes, 60. Sixty. Six decades on the planet.
The collective response to this around The Racquetball Blog office has been a collective "huh?" We don't wonder why Ektelon is doing this, as it's a great promotional thing. Gonzalez is an esteemed member of the racquetball community, so it's completely understandable that Ektelon would like to align itself with him.
Indeed, Gonzalez is so esteemed that this move has not been met with out and out derision. But a sixty year old thinking he can be a top 10 pro racquetball player? Who's kidding who here?
Racquetball is a speed and power game requiring significant flexibility, and all of those qualities decrease significantly with age. They decrease even if one remains active, as Gonzalez has. He remains a very good player, and has a streak of making at least the Round of 16 once (or more) for 28 consecutive IRT seasons, though he has yet to do so this season.
But making the 16s once a season is much different from being in the top 10 at the end of a season.
However, consider for a moment that Gonzalez is able to do that: be a top 10 player at 60. How would that reflect on the other IRT players? Short answer: badly.
If a 60 year old can be a top 10 IRT player then it begs the question as to how good the IRT field is. And if a 60 can be a top 10 IRT player it doesn't put anyone winning IRT events in a good light, so Kane Waselenchuk, the current IRT #1, should be rooting against Gonzalez because if Gonzalez is successful it suggests that all of Waselenchuk's wins are partly due to a lower quality pool of IRT players compared with past years.
Perhaps Gonzalez's plan is to play all the events, make the 16s at each, and hope that gets him enough points to be in the top 10. But he'd have to pass players currently on the edge of the top 10 - such as Charlie Pratt and Anthony Herrera, who have both won matches against higher ranked competition this season. Could Gonzalez beat anyone in the top 8?
Of course, the game is played on the court not on paper or in the imagination, but we can't imagine Gonzalez defeating anyone currently in the top 8.
Gonzalez's top 10 goal is good for him and Ektelon, and from a marketing perspective maybe even the IRT and racquetball in general.
But it's craziness.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, March 28, 2011
Weekend Round Up - Acosta & Connell victorious
Susana Acosta and Lee Connell were the women's and men's open division winners at this past weekend's major racquetball tournaments. Acosta defeated Cristina Amaya, 15-11, 15-7 in the women's open final at the Terrapin Shootout in Laurel, Maryland. In the semi-finals, Acosta defeated T. J. Baumbaugh, 15-9, 15-8, and Amaya took out Erika Hawley, 15-11, 15-10.
Also of note, Kristen Bellows played women's open in Laurel and lost to Baumbaugh in the quarter finals, 15-9, 10-15, 11-8.
Over in St. Louis at the Party with the Pros tournament, Connell defeated the junior up and comer Brad Schopieray, 15-7, 15-13 in the men's open final. In those semi-finals, Connell beat Hal Rutherford, 15-14, 14-15, 11-? and Schopieray defeated Erik Leetch, 15-, 15-14.
The final was a playoff of doubles partners as Connell and Schopieray teamed up in men's open doubles and won the title, beating all of the other four teams in the five team round robin event.
This weekend's event is the Miller Lite Open, April 1-3, in York, Pennsylvania, which is a Tier 4 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) and a satellite event for the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO).
WPRO Terrapin Shootout - Laurel, Maryland
Women's Open Final
Susana Acosta d. Cristina Amaya, 15-11, 15-7
Women's Open semi-finals
Susana Acosta d. Erika Hawley, 15-11, 15-10
Cristina Amaya d. T. J. Baumbaugh, 15-9, 15-8
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Men's Open final
Lee Connell d. Brad Schopieray, 15-7, 15-13
Men's Open semi-finals
Brad Schopieray d. 15-9, 15-14
Lee Connell d. Hal Rutherford, 15-14, 14-15, 11-?
Follow the bouncing ball....
Also of note, Kristen Bellows played women's open in Laurel and lost to Baumbaugh in the quarter finals, 15-9, 10-15, 11-8.
Over in St. Louis at the Party with the Pros tournament, Connell defeated the junior up and comer Brad Schopieray, 15-7, 15-13 in the men's open final. In those semi-finals, Connell beat Hal Rutherford, 15-14, 14-15, 11-? and Schopieray defeated Erik Leetch, 15-, 15-14.
The final was a playoff of doubles partners as Connell and Schopieray teamed up in men's open doubles and won the title, beating all of the other four teams in the five team round robin event.
This weekend's event is the Miller Lite Open, April 1-3, in York, Pennsylvania, which is a Tier 4 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) and a satellite event for the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO).
WPRO Terrapin Shootout - Laurel, Maryland
Women's Open Final
Susana Acosta d. Cristina Amaya, 15-11, 15-7
Women's Open semi-finals
Susana Acosta d. Erika Hawley, 15-11, 15-10
Cristina Amaya d. T. J. Baumbaugh, 15-9, 15-8
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Men's Open final
Lee Connell d. Brad Schopieray, 15-7, 15-13
Men's Open semi-finals
Brad Schopieray d. 15-9, 15-14
Lee Connell d. Hal Rutherford, 15-14, 14-15, 11-?
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, March 27, 2011
WPRO - Longoria defeats Rajsich to win Terrapin Shootout
Paola Longoria won another showdown with Rhonda Rajsich Sunday at the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization's (WPRO's) Terrapin Shootout in Laurel, Maryland, but it was another battle between the WPRO's #1 and #2 players, as Longoria won it in five games, 12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-6.
Of their seven meetings this season, Longoria has now won four of them and Rajsich three, and perhaps more importantly Longoria has won the last four times they've played. The victory helps solidify Longoria's position at the top of the WPRO rankings, and with only three events to go in the season - two Tier 1s - it looks like Longoria will finish at the top of the rankings for the third consecutive season.
In the semi-finals earlier on Sunday, Longoria defeated Susana Acosta, 11-3, 11-0, 11-1, and Rajsich beat Samantha Salas Solis, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 11-8.
The next WPRO event is the Miller Lite Open in York, Penn. next weekend, April 1-3. That's a satellite event, as was this weekend's Terrapin Shootout. The next Tier 1 WPRO event is the In Shape WPRO Championships presented by Ektelon in Stockton, Calif. April 29-May 1.
WPRO Terrapin Shootout - Laurel, Maryland
Semi-finals
(1) Paola Longoria d. (4) Susana Acosta, 11-3, 11-0, 11-1
(2) Rhonda Rajsich d. (3) Samantha Salas Solis, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 11-8
Final
(1) Paola Longoria d. (2) Rhonda Rajsich, 12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Of their seven meetings this season, Longoria has now won four of them and Rajsich three, and perhaps more importantly Longoria has won the last four times they've played. The victory helps solidify Longoria's position at the top of the WPRO rankings, and with only three events to go in the season - two Tier 1s - it looks like Longoria will finish at the top of the rankings for the third consecutive season.
In the semi-finals earlier on Sunday, Longoria defeated Susana Acosta, 11-3, 11-0, 11-1, and Rajsich beat Samantha Salas Solis, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 11-8.
The next WPRO event is the Miller Lite Open in York, Penn. next weekend, April 1-3. That's a satellite event, as was this weekend's Terrapin Shootout. The next Tier 1 WPRO event is the In Shape WPRO Championships presented by Ektelon in Stockton, Calif. April 29-May 1.
WPRO Terrapin Shootout - Laurel, Maryland
Semi-finals
(1) Paola Longoria d. (4) Susana Acosta, 11-3, 11-0, 11-1
(2) Rhonda Rajsich d. (3) Samantha Salas Solis, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 11-8
Final
(1) Paola Longoria d. (2) Rhonda Rajsich, 12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - Party with the Pros in St Louis - Waselenchuk gets 10th win of season
Kane Waselenchuk won his 10th event of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season Sunday as he defeated Rocky Carson in three straight games, 11-8, 11-4, 11-6, in the final of the Party with the Pros tournament in St. Louis, Missouri. In their three meetings since Waselenchuk eked out a 12-10 tie-breaker win against Carson in San Diego last month, Waselenchuk has given up 5.0 points per game to Carson, winning each of the three matches in three straight games.
Game one was close despite Waselenchuk having an early lead at 6-2. Carson came back and tied it a 7-7. But he just didn't have it to finish off a game today, as Waselenchuk closed out game one, 11-8.
In game two, Waselenchuk was again up early at 5-1, and Carson came back but only to 5-3 before Waselenchuk put a string of points together to make it 10-3 and then 10-4.
The story was similar in game three. Waselenchuk led early at 5-1. Carson closed it to 5-3 only to see Waselenchuk push it to 10-4. Carson fought off a couple of match points and got a couple of points back, but then the seemingly inevitable happened as Waselenchuk finished off the game 11-6, winning the match.
The next IRT Tier 1 event will be the Mexico Open in Tijuana April 7-10.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-8, 11-4, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Game one was close despite Waselenchuk having an early lead at 6-2. Carson came back and tied it a 7-7. But he just didn't have it to finish off a game today, as Waselenchuk closed out game one, 11-8.
In game two, Waselenchuk was again up early at 5-1, and Carson came back but only to 5-3 before Waselenchuk put a string of points together to make it 10-3 and then 10-4.
The story was similar in game three. Waselenchuk led early at 5-1. Carson closed it to 5-3 only to see Waselenchuk push it to 10-4. Carson fought off a couple of match points and got a couple of points back, but then the seemingly inevitable happened as Waselenchuk finished off the game 11-6, winning the match.
The next IRT Tier 1 event will be the Mexico Open in Tijuana April 7-10.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-8, 11-4, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, March 26, 2011
WPRO - Terrapin Shootout 16s & QFs
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization's (WPRO's) Terrapin Shootout in Laurel, Maryland began on Saturday with the first two rounds. There were no upsets as the top 4 seeds are in the semi-finals that go Sunday morning.
However, former top 5 player Kristen Bellows had a close match with 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis before falling in four games, 11-8, 12-10, 9-11, 11-5. The result suggests that Bellows is playing well, but perhaps not yet at the level she once had.
Three Mexicans are in the semi-finals: WPRO #1 Paola Longoria will play Susana Acosta in an all Mexican battle on the top side of the draw and WPRO #2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) will play Mexican Salas Solis in the semi-final on the bottom of the draw.
WPRO Terrapin Shootout - Laurel, Maryland
Round of 16
(1) Paola Longoria - BYE
(9) Kimberly Ferina d. (8) Danielle Emerson, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
(5) Cristina Amaya d. (12) Karen Morton, 11-1, 8-11, 11-1, 12-10
(4) Susana Acosta d. (13) Tracy Hawthorne, 11-5, 11-1, 11-3
(3) Samantha Salas Solis d. (14) Kristen Bellows, 11-8, 12-10, 9-11, 11-5
(6) T. J. Baumbaugh d. (11) Yolanda Jordan, 11-7, 11-8, 12-10
(7) Angela Grisar d. (10) Ana Paola Nunez, 11-13, 11-1, 11-3, 11-9
(2) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Quarter finals
(1) Paola Longoria d. (9) Kimberly Ferina, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2
(4) Susana Acosta d. (5) Cristina Amaya, 11-9, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8
(3) Samantha Salas Solis d. (6) T. J. Baumbaugh, 13-11, 11-4, 11-2
(2) Rhonda Rajsich d. (7) Angela Grisar, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8
Semi-finals
(1) Paola Longoria v. (4) Susana Acosta
(2) Rhonda Rajsich v. (3) Samantha Salas Solis
Follow the bouncing ball....
However, former top 5 player Kristen Bellows had a close match with 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis before falling in four games, 11-8, 12-10, 9-11, 11-5. The result suggests that Bellows is playing well, but perhaps not yet at the level she once had.
Three Mexicans are in the semi-finals: WPRO #1 Paola Longoria will play Susana Acosta in an all Mexican battle on the top side of the draw and WPRO #2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) will play Mexican Salas Solis in the semi-final on the bottom of the draw.
WPRO Terrapin Shootout - Laurel, Maryland
Round of 16
(1) Paola Longoria - BYE
(9) Kimberly Ferina d. (8) Danielle Emerson, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
(5) Cristina Amaya d. (12) Karen Morton, 11-1, 8-11, 11-1, 12-10
(4) Susana Acosta d. (13) Tracy Hawthorne, 11-5, 11-1, 11-3
(3) Samantha Salas Solis d. (14) Kristen Bellows, 11-8, 12-10, 9-11, 11-5
(6) T. J. Baumbaugh d. (11) Yolanda Jordan, 11-7, 11-8, 12-10
(7) Angela Grisar d. (10) Ana Paola Nunez, 11-13, 11-1, 11-3, 11-9
(2) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Quarter finals
(1) Paola Longoria d. (9) Kimberly Ferina, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2
(4) Susana Acosta d. (5) Cristina Amaya, 11-9, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8
(3) Samantha Salas Solis d. (6) T. J. Baumbaugh, 13-11, 11-4, 11-2
(2) Rhonda Rajsich d. (7) Angela Grisar, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8
Semi-finals
(1) Paola Longoria v. (4) Susana Acosta
(2) Rhonda Rajsich v. (3) Samantha Salas Solis
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - Party with the Pros in St Louis - Waselenchuk & Carson win SFs
Kane Waselenchuk and Rocky Carson, the #1 and #2 players, respectively on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), will renew their rivalry Sunday as they'll meet in the final of the Party with the Pros tournament in St. Louis, Missouri.
Waselenchuk advanced to the final with a straight game win over Ben Croft, 11-6, 11-1, 11-3, in the semi-finals. Though the score line is lopsided Croft gave it his all during the match, diving several times to make shots. When it was early in game one with Waselenchuk leading 7-6, it seemed the match would be close, but Croft didn't get another point that game and when he only managed one point in game two, the writing was clearly on the wall.
In the other semi-final, Carson defeated Jack Huczek. Frequently, they have played five game matches and it looked like that would be the case again Saturday after they split the first two games. But Carson took the third and then also won the fourth by a comfortable margin to set up the showdown with Waselenchuk.
Sunday's final begins at noon CDT and will be web cast via the IRT Network.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk d. Ben Croft, 11-6, 11-1, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Jack Huczek, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 11-2
Final - Sunday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk advanced to the final with a straight game win over Ben Croft, 11-6, 11-1, 11-3, in the semi-finals. Though the score line is lopsided Croft gave it his all during the match, diving several times to make shots. When it was early in game one with Waselenchuk leading 7-6, it seemed the match would be close, but Croft didn't get another point that game and when he only managed one point in game two, the writing was clearly on the wall.
In the other semi-final, Carson defeated Jack Huczek. Frequently, they have played five game matches and it looked like that would be the case again Saturday after they split the first two games. But Carson took the third and then also won the fourth by a comfortable margin to set up the showdown with Waselenchuk.
Sunday's final begins at noon CDT and will be web cast via the IRT Network.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk d. Ben Croft, 11-6, 11-1, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Jack Huczek, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 11-2
Final - Sunday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, March 25, 2011
IRT - Party with the Pros in St Louis - QFs
Andy Hawthorne was oh, so close to his first career semi-final in a Tier 1 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) tournament, but Rocky Carson, former IRT #1, came back in the fifth game to crush Hawthorne's hopes at the Party with the Pros tournament in St. Louis, Missouri.
Hawthorne had leads of 6-1 and 9-4 in game five, but couldn't get any more than that, as Carson came back to win it by a final score line of 5-11, 11-6, 11-5, 10-12, 11-9. Carson hit two drive serve aces to the left side for points 6 and 7, and the 8th point came on a Hawthorne skip after on what looked like a set up, although he had to turn and follow the ball off the back wall to the right side wall. Hawthorne made similar errors earlier in game five.
The next two quarter finals combined took about half as long as the Carson and Hawthorne. IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk defeated Charlie Pratt, 11-2, 11-2, 11-4, and Jack Huczek defeated Shane Vanderson, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7.
In the last quarter final of the day, Ben Croft survived a battle with Tony Carson by winning it in the fifth game, 11-9, 8-11, 11-3, 12-10, 11-8. Carson drove served for most of the match while Croft did mostly high lob serves along the right wall - Carson's forehand side.
In game 5, Croft was up 7-1 and 9-4, but Carson closed the gap to 9-8. Then after winning three straight rallies to make it 9-8 Carson drove serve to the left and Croft returned it with a cross court ceiling ball that caught right in the back right corner and Carson just couldn't it to the front wall. Carson didn't score a point after that.
Saturday's semi-finals begin at 4 PM CDT and will be web cast via the IRT Network.
The Racquetball Blog often tweets about the matches live. Follow us on Twitter @racquetballblog.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Quarter finals - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk d. Charlie Pratt, 11-2, 11-2, 11-4
Ben Croft d. Tony Carson, 11-9, 8-11, 11-3, 12-10, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Shane Vanderson, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7
Rocky Carson d. Andy Hawthorne, 5-11, 11-6, 11-5, 10-12, 11-9
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Ben Croft - 5 PM CDT
Rocky Carson v. Jack Huczek - 4 PM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Hawthorne had leads of 6-1 and 9-4 in game five, but couldn't get any more than that, as Carson came back to win it by a final score line of 5-11, 11-6, 11-5, 10-12, 11-9. Carson hit two drive serve aces to the left side for points 6 and 7, and the 8th point came on a Hawthorne skip after on what looked like a set up, although he had to turn and follow the ball off the back wall to the right side wall. Hawthorne made similar errors earlier in game five.
The next two quarter finals combined took about half as long as the Carson and Hawthorne. IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk defeated Charlie Pratt, 11-2, 11-2, 11-4, and Jack Huczek defeated Shane Vanderson, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7.
In the last quarter final of the day, Ben Croft survived a battle with Tony Carson by winning it in the fifth game, 11-9, 8-11, 11-3, 12-10, 11-8. Carson drove served for most of the match while Croft did mostly high lob serves along the right wall - Carson's forehand side.
In game 5, Croft was up 7-1 and 9-4, but Carson closed the gap to 9-8. Then after winning three straight rallies to make it 9-8 Carson drove serve to the left and Croft returned it with a cross court ceiling ball that caught right in the back right corner and Carson just couldn't it to the front wall. Carson didn't score a point after that.
Saturday's semi-finals begin at 4 PM CDT and will be web cast via the IRT Network.
The Racquetball Blog often tweets about the matches live. Follow us on Twitter @racquetballblog.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Quarter finals - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk d. Charlie Pratt, 11-2, 11-2, 11-4
Ben Croft d. Tony Carson, 11-9, 8-11, 11-3, 12-10, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Shane Vanderson, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7
Rocky Carson d. Andy Hawthorne, 5-11, 11-6, 11-5, 10-12, 11-9
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Ben Croft - 5 PM CDT
Rocky Carson v. Jack Huczek - 4 PM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - Party with the Pros in St Louis - Round of 16
Charlie Pratt caused the first upset of the International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) Party with the Pros tournament in St. Louis, Missouri as he defeated Jose Rojas in four games in the Round of 16. He'll now face IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk, who beat fellow Canadian Lee Connell in three games, in the quarter finals later on Friday.
But the second upset came in the last match of the 16s, as Tony Carson defeated Chris Crowther, 11-13, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 11-5, to reach the quarter finals for the second consecutive IRT tournament. He'll play Ben Croft Friday night.
Brad Schopieray almost caused an even bigger upset as he won the first two games against Shane Vanderson. However, the veteran Vanderson wasn't going to lose that easy, and in fact came back to win the next three games and take the match, 8-11, 1-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1.
Other winners in the 16s so far include Jack Huczek, who defeated Brian Simpson, 11-6, 11-1, 11-5, and Ben Croft, who beat Erik Leetch 11-3, 11-3, 11-2.
All of Friday's matches are being streamed live over the internet via the IRT Network. The quarter finals begin at 5:30 PM CDT.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Main Draw Round of 16 - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk d. Lee Connell
Charlie Pratt d. Jose Rojas, 11-8, 0-11, 12-10, 13-11
Tony Carson d. Chris Crowther, 11-13, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 11-5
Ben Croft d. Erik Leetch, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2
Jack Huczek d. Brian Simpson, 11-6, 11-1, 11-5
Shane Vanderson d. Brad Schopieray, 8-11, 1-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1
Andy Hawthorne d. Anthony Herrera, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5, 11-6
Rocky Carson d. James Slamko, 11-4, 11-3, 11-4
Quarter finals - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Charlie Pratt
Ben Croft v. Tony Carson
Jack Huczek v. Shane Vanderson
Rocky Carson v. Andy Hawthorne
Follow the bouncing ball....
But the second upset came in the last match of the 16s, as Tony Carson defeated Chris Crowther, 11-13, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 11-5, to reach the quarter finals for the second consecutive IRT tournament. He'll play Ben Croft Friday night.
Brad Schopieray almost caused an even bigger upset as he won the first two games against Shane Vanderson. However, the veteran Vanderson wasn't going to lose that easy, and in fact came back to win the next three games and take the match, 8-11, 1-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1.
Other winners in the 16s so far include Jack Huczek, who defeated Brian Simpson, 11-6, 11-1, 11-5, and Ben Croft, who beat Erik Leetch 11-3, 11-3, 11-2.
All of Friday's matches are being streamed live over the internet via the IRT Network. The quarter finals begin at 5:30 PM CDT.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Main Draw Round of 16 - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk d. Lee Connell
Charlie Pratt d. Jose Rojas, 11-8, 0-11, 12-10, 13-11
Tony Carson d. Chris Crowther, 11-13, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 11-5
Ben Croft d. Erik Leetch, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2
Jack Huczek d. Brian Simpson, 11-6, 11-1, 11-5
Shane Vanderson d. Brad Schopieray, 8-11, 1-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1
Andy Hawthorne d. Anthony Herrera, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5, 11-6
Rocky Carson d. James Slamko, 11-4, 11-3, 11-4
Quarter finals - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Charlie Pratt
Ben Croft v. Tony Carson
Jack Huczek v. Shane Vanderson
Rocky Carson v. Andy Hawthorne
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - Party with the Pros in St Louis - Prelim results
The qualifying draw for the International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) Party with the Pros tournament in St. Louis, Missouri changed from what we had. It looks like Anthony Herrera was a late addition and that resulted in match-ups changing from what The Racquetball Blog posted yesterday. Apologies for any problems.
Big news from qualifying is that junior American player Brad Schopieray has made the Round of 16 for the first time in his career after defeating Juan Herrera in the last round of qualifying, 11-5, 11-2, 12-14, 11-7. Schopieray will play Shane Vanderson in the 16s.
Also making the 16s for the first time were Canadian James Slamko, who defeated Stacey Young, 11-2, 11-7, 11-4, and will now play Rocky Carson in the 16s, and Erik Leetch, who defeated John Scott, 11-2, 11-2, 11-2 and will play Ben Croft in the 16s on Friday.
All of Friday's matches are being streamed live over the internet via the IRT Network. Their streaming will begin at 11:30 AM CDT.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Main Draw Round of 16 - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Lee Connell
Jose Rojas v. Charlie Pratt
Chris Crowther v. Tony Carson
Ben Croft v. Erik Leetch
Jack Huczek v. Brian Simpson
Shane Vanderson v. Brad Schopieray
Andy Hawthorne v. Anthony Herrera
Rocky Carson v. James Slamko
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8: Lee Connell d. Rich Berich, 9-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 13-11
Q1: Charlie Pratt d. Ryan Maher, 12-10, 11-4, 11-5
Q4: Tony Carson d. Juan Martinez, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2
Q5: Erik Leetch d. John Scott, 11-2, 11-2, 11-2
Q6: Brian Simpson d. Keith Minor, 13-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-2
Q3: Brad Schopieray d. Juan Herrera, 11-5, 11-2, 12-14, 11-7
Q2: Anthony Herrera d. Arthur Schmeiser, 5-11, 11-3, 11-7, 12-10
Q7: James Slamko d. Stacey Young, 11-2, 11-7, 11-4
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Ryan Maher d. Ira Baldwin, 11-1, 11-1, 11-3
Erik Leetch d. Drew Fiske, 11-8, 11-1, 11-5
Juan Martinez d. Hal Rutherford, 6-11, 11-7, 11-7
Keith Minor d. Blasé Zera, 11-1, 11-5, 11-4
Brad Schoperiray d. Dan Whitley, 11-6, 11-7, 11-5
Arthur Schmeiser d. Zach Archer, 11-4, 11-4, 11-8
Follow the bouncing ball....
Big news from qualifying is that junior American player Brad Schopieray has made the Round of 16 for the first time in his career after defeating Juan Herrera in the last round of qualifying, 11-5, 11-2, 12-14, 11-7. Schopieray will play Shane Vanderson in the 16s.
Also making the 16s for the first time were Canadian James Slamko, who defeated Stacey Young, 11-2, 11-7, 11-4, and will now play Rocky Carson in the 16s, and Erik Leetch, who defeated John Scott, 11-2, 11-2, 11-2 and will play Ben Croft in the 16s on Friday.
All of Friday's matches are being streamed live over the internet via the IRT Network. Their streaming will begin at 11:30 AM CDT.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Main Draw Round of 16 - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Lee Connell
Jose Rojas v. Charlie Pratt
Chris Crowther v. Tony Carson
Ben Croft v. Erik Leetch
Jack Huczek v. Brian Simpson
Shane Vanderson v. Brad Schopieray
Andy Hawthorne v. Anthony Herrera
Rocky Carson v. James Slamko
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8: Lee Connell d. Rich Berich, 9-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 13-11
Q1: Charlie Pratt d. Ryan Maher, 12-10, 11-4, 11-5
Q4: Tony Carson d. Juan Martinez, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2
Q5: Erik Leetch d. John Scott, 11-2, 11-2, 11-2
Q6: Brian Simpson d. Keith Minor, 13-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-2
Q3: Brad Schopieray d. Juan Herrera, 11-5, 11-2, 12-14, 11-7
Q2: Anthony Herrera d. Arthur Schmeiser, 5-11, 11-3, 11-7, 12-10
Q7: James Slamko d. Stacey Young, 11-2, 11-7, 11-4
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Ryan Maher d. Ira Baldwin, 11-1, 11-1, 11-3
Erik Leetch d. Drew Fiske, 11-8, 11-1, 11-5
Juan Martinez d. Hal Rutherford, 6-11, 11-7, 11-7
Keith Minor d. Blasé Zera, 11-1, 11-5, 11-4
Brad Schoperiray d. Dan Whitley, 11-6, 11-7, 11-5
Arthur Schmeiser d. Zach Archer, 11-4, 11-4, 11-8
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, March 24, 2011
IRT - Party with the Pros in St Louis - Preview
Qualifying for the International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) Party with the Pros tournament in St. Louis, Missouri begins today. Tony Carson, a quarter finalist last weekend in Salt Lake City, and Charlie Pratt are the primary players in qualifying, but Juan Herrera, Lee Connell and Brian Simpson are also in St. Louis.
The survivors of today's qualifying rounds will face one of the top 8 IRT players in the Round of 16 tomorrow. Of note in the main draw is that Jack Huczek is seeded 3rd and Ben Croft 4th. The IRT hasn't updated its rankings since last week, so we can only assume that Huczek is now ranked #3 and Croft #4 based on the St. Louis draw.
That seeding change is significant, because it means Croft rather than Huczek will play IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk, with his on court undefeated record, in the semi-finals rather than the final. Also the seeding sets up another possible Huczek-Rocky Carson battle in the semi-finals.
All of Friday's matches are being streamed live over the internet via the IRT Network. Their streaming will begin at 11:30 AM CDT Friday.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Ira Baldwin v. Dan Whitley
Brad Shoperiray v. Drew Finke
Juan Martinez v. Blasé Zera
Arthur Schmeiser v. Hal Rutherford
Ryan Maher v. Zach Archer
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8: Rich Berich v. Stacey Young
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Ira Baldwin or Dan Whitley
Q4: John Scott v. Brad Shoperiray or Drew Finke
Q5: Brian Simpson v. Juan Martinez or Blasé Zera
Q6: James Slamko v. Erik Leetch
Q3: Tony Carson v. Arthur Schmeiser or Hal Rutherford
Q2: Juan Herrera v. Ryan Maher or Zach Archer
Q7: Lee Connell v. Keith Minor
Main Draw Round of 16 - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Jose Rojas v. Q1
Chris Crowther v. Q4
Ben Croft v. Q5
Jack Huczek v. Q6
Shane Vanderson v. Q3
Andy Hawthorne v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
The survivors of today's qualifying rounds will face one of the top 8 IRT players in the Round of 16 tomorrow. Of note in the main draw is that Jack Huczek is seeded 3rd and Ben Croft 4th. The IRT hasn't updated its rankings since last week, so we can only assume that Huczek is now ranked #3 and Croft #4 based on the St. Louis draw.
That seeding change is significant, because it means Croft rather than Huczek will play IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk, with his on court undefeated record, in the semi-finals rather than the final. Also the seeding sets up another possible Huczek-Rocky Carson battle in the semi-finals.
All of Friday's matches are being streamed live over the internet via the IRT Network. Their streaming will begin at 11:30 AM CDT Friday.
2011 Party with the Pros - St Louis, Missouri
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Ira Baldwin v. Dan Whitley
Brad Shoperiray v. Drew Finke
Juan Martinez v. Blasé Zera
Arthur Schmeiser v. Hal Rutherford
Ryan Maher v. Zach Archer
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8: Rich Berich v. Stacey Young
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Ira Baldwin or Dan Whitley
Q4: John Scott v. Brad Shoperiray or Drew Finke
Q5: Brian Simpson v. Juan Martinez or Blasé Zera
Q6: James Slamko v. Erik Leetch
Q3: Tony Carson v. Arthur Schmeiser or Hal Rutherford
Q2: Juan Herrera v. Ryan Maher or Zach Archer
Q7: Lee Connell v. Keith Minor
Main Draw Round of 16 - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Jose Rojas v. Q1
Chris Crowther v. Q4
Ben Croft v. Q5
Jack Huczek v. Q6
Shane Vanderson v. Q3
Andy Hawthorne v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
WPRO - Terrapin Shootout Preview & Latest Rankings
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization's (WPRO's) Terrapin Shootout in Laurel, Maryland may be a minor event on the schedule, but its participants make it look like a major event. Three of the top four players will be Laurel - #1 Paola Longoria, #2 Rhonda Rajsich and #4 Samantha Salas Solis, as well as three other players in the top 14: Cristina Amaya, T. J. Baumbaugh and Angela Grisar, and former top 4 player Kristen Bellows.
The Racquetball Blog staff has done a draw based on the recently released rankings and you'll find both that and the latest top 20 below.
It should be a great weekend of racquetball in Laurel.
WPRO Terrapin Shootout - Laurel, Maryland
Round of 16 (seeding) (note: draw is unofficial)
(1) Paola Longoria - BYE
(8) Kimberly Ferina v. (9) Ana Paola Nunez
(5) T. J. Baumbaugh v. (12) Kristen Bellows
(4) Cristina Amaya - BYE
(3) Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
(6) Angela Grisar v. (11) Karen Morton
(7) Danielle Emerson v. (10) Yolanda Jordan
(2) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
WPRO Rankings March 22, 2011
Rank Name Nationality Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1847.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1678.90
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 1043.00
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 859.40
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 521.00
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 477.40
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 434.10
8 Krystal Csuk (USA) 386.80
9 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 365.80
10 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 324.38
11 Jo Shattuck (USA) 282.80
12 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 257.50
13 Keely Franks (USA) 245.50
14 Angela Grisar (Chile) 237.00
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 214.00
16 Nancy Enriquez (Mexico) 199.48
17 Vivian Gomez (USA) 171.00
18 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 135.60
19 Anita Maldonaldo (USA) 134.50
20 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
Follow the bouncing ball....
The Racquetball Blog staff has done a draw based on the recently released rankings and you'll find both that and the latest top 20 below.
It should be a great weekend of racquetball in Laurel.
WPRO Terrapin Shootout - Laurel, Maryland
Round of 16 (seeding) (note: draw is unofficial)
(1) Paola Longoria - BYE
(8) Kimberly Ferina v. (9) Ana Paola Nunez
(5) T. J. Baumbaugh v. (12) Kristen Bellows
(4) Cristina Amaya - BYE
(3) Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
(6) Angela Grisar v. (11) Karen Morton
(7) Danielle Emerson v. (10) Yolanda Jordan
(2) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
WPRO Rankings March 22, 2011
Rank Name Nationality Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1847.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1678.90
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 1043.00
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 859.40
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 521.00
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 477.40
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 434.10
8 Krystal Csuk (USA) 386.80
9 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 365.80
10 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 324.38
11 Jo Shattuck (USA) 282.80
12 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 257.50
13 Keely Franks (USA) 245.50
14 Angela Grisar (Chile) 237.00
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 214.00
16 Nancy Enriquez (Mexico) 199.48
17 Vivian Gomez (USA) 171.00
18 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 135.60
19 Anita Maldonaldo (USA) 134.50
20 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
American & Canadian Teams for 2011 Pan American Championships
The 2011 Pan American Championships are slated for April 16-23, 2011, in Managua, Nicaragua. These championships occur annually the week before Easter, and this year Easter is later than usual. This year these championships are the qualifying event for the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico in October.
Both the USA and Canada have announced their players for this event.
The US team is comprised of Jansen Allen, Tony Carson, Chris Crowther, Krystal Csuk, Cheryl Gudinas, Andy Hawthorne, Rhonda Rajsich, and will be coached by Mike Guidry. The Racquetball Blog speculates that Allen and Carson will play doubles with Crowther and Hawthorne in singles on the men's side, while Csuk and Gudinas will be the women's doubles team with Gudinas and Rajsich as the singles players.
The Canadian team will be Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou in men's singles with Mike Green and Kris Odegard playing doubles while Frédérique Lambert and Jennifer Saunders will play women's singles with Josée Grand'Maître and Brandi Jacobson Prentice playing doubles. Michel Gagnon and Loren Prentice will coach the Canadian team.
The gold medalists at last year's Pan American Championships in Honduras were Ricardo Monroy (Bolivia) in men's singles, Mike Green and Tim Landeryou (Canada) in men's doubles, Paola Longoria (Mexico) in women's singles and Samantha Salas Solis and Susana Acosta (Mexico) in women's doubles.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Both the USA and Canada have announced their players for this event.
The US team is comprised of Jansen Allen, Tony Carson, Chris Crowther, Krystal Csuk, Cheryl Gudinas, Andy Hawthorne, Rhonda Rajsich, and will be coached by Mike Guidry. The Racquetball Blog speculates that Allen and Carson will play doubles with Crowther and Hawthorne in singles on the men's side, while Csuk and Gudinas will be the women's doubles team with Gudinas and Rajsich as the singles players.
The Canadian team will be Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou in men's singles with Mike Green and Kris Odegard playing doubles while Frédérique Lambert and Jennifer Saunders will play women's singles with Josée Grand'Maître and Brandi Jacobson Prentice playing doubles. Michel Gagnon and Loren Prentice will coach the Canadian team.
The gold medalists at last year's Pan American Championships in Honduras were Ricardo Monroy (Bolivia) in men's singles, Mike Green and Tim Landeryou (Canada) in men's doubles, Paola Longoria (Mexico) in women's singles and Samantha Salas Solis and Susana Acosta (Mexico) in women's doubles.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, March 21, 2011
Weekend Round Up - Acosta wins, Longoria 9th all time
Susana Acosta won the women's open division at the 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am tournament in Herndon, Virginia. Acosta defeated Krystal Csuk, 15-7, 15-14 in the final to take the title.
Acosta seeded 2nd, defeated Kimberly Irons in one semi-final, 15-11, 15-9, while top seeded Csuk beat T. J. Baumbaugh, 15-1, 13-15, 11-3, in the other.
Longoria Ninth All Time
With her win on the weekend, Paola Longoria, the #1 ranked Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) player, further solidified her position among the winningest women racquetball players.
She's won 14 times on the WPRO, putting 9th all time (according to The Racquetball Blog's unofficial records). But her winning percentage in the finals is 58.3% (14 wins in 24 finals) and that's 4th all time behind only Lynn Adams (71.7%), Shannon Wright (76%) and Michelle Gould (an astounding 97.6%).
With her next victory, Longoria will move into a tie for 8th all time with Christie Huczek, who's won 15 career titles.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Women's Open Final
Susana Acosta d. Krystal Csuk, 15-7, 15-14
Follow the bouncing ball....
Acosta seeded 2nd, defeated Kimberly Irons in one semi-final, 15-11, 15-9, while top seeded Csuk beat T. J. Baumbaugh, 15-1, 13-15, 11-3, in the other.
Longoria Ninth All Time
With her win on the weekend, Paola Longoria, the #1 ranked Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) player, further solidified her position among the winningest women racquetball players.
She's won 14 times on the WPRO, putting 9th all time (according to The Racquetball Blog's unofficial records). But her winning percentage in the finals is 58.3% (14 wins in 24 finals) and that's 4th all time behind only Lynn Adams (71.7%), Shannon Wright (76%) and Michelle Gould (an astounding 97.6%).
With her next victory, Longoria will move into a tie for 8th all time with Christie Huczek, who's won 15 career titles.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Women's Open Final
Susana Acosta d. Krystal Csuk, 15-7, 15-14
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, March 20, 2011
WPRO - 2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am Final
Paola Longoria defeated Rhonda Rajsich, 111-3, 5-11, 13-11, 11-3, Sunday to win the 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am tournament in Herndon, Virginia on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour. Longoria's victory levels their season series at three matches each with Longoria winning the last three.
The next WPRO Tier 1 event is the In Shape WPRO Championships presented by Ektelon in Stockton, California at the end of April. But there are two WPRO satellite events in the next two weekends with the Terrapin Shootout next weekend in Laurel, Maryland and the Miller Lite Open in York, Penn. April 1-3.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-3, 5-11, 13-11, 11-3
Follow the bouncing ball....
The next WPRO Tier 1 event is the In Shape WPRO Championships presented by Ektelon in Stockton, California at the end of April. But there are two WPRO satellite events in the next two weekends with the Terrapin Shootout next weekend in Laurel, Maryland and the Miller Lite Open in York, Penn. April 1-3.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-3, 5-11, 13-11, 11-3
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - Waselenchuk wins MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am
Kane Waselenchuk defeated Rocky Carson, 11-3, 11-1, 11-5, to win the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am Saturday night in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was Waselenchuk's seventh victory over Carson this season, and continues his on court winning streak that began in January 2009.
Carson's nine points ties the fewest points Waselenchuk has given up in a final this season. Waselenchuk gave up 9 points to Carson when he won their final match in Kansas City back in October; the final there was 11-4, 11-4, 11-1.
The next IRT Tier 1 event is in St Louis next weekend. Following that there will be a weekend off before they meet again in Tijuana, Mexico for the Mexico Open April 7-10.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-3, 11-1, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Carson's nine points ties the fewest points Waselenchuk has given up in a final this season. Waselenchuk gave up 9 points to Carson when he won their final match in Kansas City back in October; the final there was 11-4, 11-4, 11-1.
The next IRT Tier 1 event is in St Louis next weekend. Following that there will be a weekend off before they meet again in Tijuana, Mexico for the Mexico Open April 7-10.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-3, 11-1, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, March 19, 2011
WPRO - 2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am SFs
Paola Longoria and Rhonda Rajsich will renew their rivalry tomorrow in the final of the 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am tournament in Herndon, Virginia on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour, as they beat their opponents in the semi-finals Saturday.
Longoria defeated Samantha Salas Solis, 11-6, 3-11, 11-2, 11-3, in one semi while Rajsich defeated Christie Huczek in the other, 11-7, 11-8, 4-11, 11-7.
Sunday will be Longoria and Rajsich's sixth meeting of the season with Rajsich holding a 3-2 advantage. However, Longoria has won their last two matches.
If Longoria wins Sunday, it will be her 14th WPRO title putting her one behind Huczek on the career tournament winning list. Rajsich has 23 titles to her name, so a win Sunday would be her 24th.
The final of the 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am is slated for noon Sunday.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas Solis, 11-6, 3-11, 11-2, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 14 Christie Huczek, 11-7, 11-8, 4-11, 11-7
Finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 2 Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria defeated Samantha Salas Solis, 11-6, 3-11, 11-2, 11-3, in one semi while Rajsich defeated Christie Huczek in the other, 11-7, 11-8, 4-11, 11-7.
Sunday will be Longoria and Rajsich's sixth meeting of the season with Rajsich holding a 3-2 advantage. However, Longoria has won their last two matches.
If Longoria wins Sunday, it will be her 14th WPRO title putting her one behind Huczek on the career tournament winning list. Rajsich has 23 titles to her name, so a win Sunday would be her 24th.
The final of the 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am is slated for noon Sunday.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas Solis, 11-6, 3-11, 11-2, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 14 Christie Huczek, 11-7, 11-8, 4-11, 11-7
Finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 2 Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - Waselenchuk & Carson to meet in final of MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am
Kane Waselenchuk and Rocky Carson, the #1 and #2 players on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) will meet once again Saturday night in the final of the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am in Salt Lake City, Utah. It will be their 6th meeting of the season, and Waselenchuk has won all six matches. In fact, Waselenchuk hasn't lost on court since January 2009.
Twice Waselenchuk and Carson have gone 5 games, once 4 games and three times Waselenchuk has won in 3 straight games, including last week in Tampa at the Florida Spring Break tournament.
Waselenchuk advanced to the final with a three game victory over Jack Huczek, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2, in the semi-finals. Carson defeated Ben Croft in the other semi-final, 11-4, 11-1, 11-8.
The final will begin at 7 PM MDT and be webcast via the IRT Network.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2
Rocky Carson d. Ben Croft, 11-4, 11-1, 11-8
Final
Rocky Carson v. Kane Waselenchuk - 7 PM MDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Twice Waselenchuk and Carson have gone 5 games, once 4 games and three times Waselenchuk has won in 3 straight games, including last week in Tampa at the Florida Spring Break tournament.
Waselenchuk advanced to the final with a three game victory over Jack Huczek, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2, in the semi-finals. Carson defeated Ben Croft in the other semi-final, 11-4, 11-1, 11-8.
The final will begin at 7 PM MDT and be webcast via the IRT Network.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2
Rocky Carson d. Ben Croft, 11-4, 11-1, 11-8
Final
Rocky Carson v. Kane Waselenchuk - 7 PM MDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO - 2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am QFs
Christie Huczek, former #1 player on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour, has reached the semi-finals for the third time this season, as she defeated 6th seed Adrienne Fisher in the quarter finals of the 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am tournament in Herndon, Virginia, 11-7, 2-11, 11-0, 11-3. Huczek's only playing her 3rd event of the season but has reached the semis each time.
The semis in Herndon will be a repeat of the semis at the US Open earlier this season, as Huczek will play 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich, who defeated Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5, in one semi-final, while the other will be a battle of two young Mexican players.
Top seed Paola Longoria will play 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis in the other semi-final. In the quarters, Longoria defeated Mexican veteran Susana Acosta, 11-2, 13-11, 11-0, and Salas Solis beat Kerri Wachtel, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 11-3.
The semi-finals of the 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am go later today with the final slated for noon Sunday.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Quarter finals (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Susana Acosta, 11-2, 13-11, 11-0
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 5 Kerri Wachtel, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 11-3
14 Christie Huczek d. 6 Adrienne Fisher, 11-7, 2-11, 11-0, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 10 Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas Solis
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 14 Christie Huczek
Follow the bouncing ball....
The semis in Herndon will be a repeat of the semis at the US Open earlier this season, as Huczek will play 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich, who defeated Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5, in one semi-final, while the other will be a battle of two young Mexican players.
Top seed Paola Longoria will play 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis in the other semi-final. In the quarters, Longoria defeated Mexican veteran Susana Acosta, 11-2, 13-11, 11-0, and Salas Solis beat Kerri Wachtel, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 11-3.
The semi-finals of the 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am go later today with the final slated for noon Sunday.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Quarter finals (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Susana Acosta, 11-2, 13-11, 11-0
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 5 Kerri Wachtel, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 11-3
14 Christie Huczek d. 6 Adrienne Fisher, 11-7, 2-11, 11-0, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 10 Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas Solis
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 14 Christie Huczek
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, March 18, 2011
IRT - MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am Quarter Finals
The top seeds are through to the semi-finals at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am in Salt Lake City, Utah. Top seed Kane Waselenchuk defeated Chris Crowther in two games after Crowther seemed to injury himself early in the second game, leading to his forfeit late in that game.
It was an unfortunate end to a match that started well with a very close first game that Waselenchuk won 12-10. Crowther did serve for that game at 10-9, but couldn't finish it off.
Then in game two, a ball came into the middle of the court and Waselenchuk leaned back to hit a pinch to the front left corner. Crowther was positioned behind him, and also leaned back to get out of Waselenchuk's way, which may have led to him tweaking his back. Crowther has been bothered with back trouble this season.
Jack Huczek will be Waselenchuk's opponent in the semi-finals, as Huczek defeated Tony Carson, 11-2, 11-8, 11-7, in the quarter finals.
On the bottom of the draw, 2nd seed Rocky Carson defeated Jose Rojas, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2. Rojas was ahead in game one, but the former #1 found a way to pull out the victory.
Carson will next play Ben Croft, who was a winner over Andy Hawthorne in three straight games, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4.
Remember there will be two rounds of play Saturday, as the final will be Saturday night rather than Sunday as per usual. The semis are set to go at 11 AM and noon on Saturday with the final at 7 PM. All times are MDT.
The IRT Network will be web-casting the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am matches.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Chris Crowther, 12-10, 10-0 injury forfeit
Jack Huczek d. Tony Carson, 11-2, 11-8, 11-7
Ben Croft d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4
Rocky Carson d. Jose Rojas, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek - Noon Saturday
Rocky Carson v. Ben Croft - 11 AM Saturday
Follow the bouncing ball....
It was an unfortunate end to a match that started well with a very close first game that Waselenchuk won 12-10. Crowther did serve for that game at 10-9, but couldn't finish it off.
Then in game two, a ball came into the middle of the court and Waselenchuk leaned back to hit a pinch to the front left corner. Crowther was positioned behind him, and also leaned back to get out of Waselenchuk's way, which may have led to him tweaking his back. Crowther has been bothered with back trouble this season.
Jack Huczek will be Waselenchuk's opponent in the semi-finals, as Huczek defeated Tony Carson, 11-2, 11-8, 11-7, in the quarter finals.
On the bottom of the draw, 2nd seed Rocky Carson defeated Jose Rojas, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2. Rojas was ahead in game one, but the former #1 found a way to pull out the victory.
Carson will next play Ben Croft, who was a winner over Andy Hawthorne in three straight games, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4.
Remember there will be two rounds of play Saturday, as the final will be Saturday night rather than Sunday as per usual. The semis are set to go at 11 AM and noon on Saturday with the final at 7 PM. All times are MDT.
The IRT Network will be web-casting the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am matches.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Chris Crowther, 12-10, 10-0 injury forfeit
Jack Huczek d. Tony Carson, 11-2, 11-8, 11-7
Ben Croft d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4
Rocky Carson d. Jose Rojas, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek - Noon Saturday
Rocky Carson v. Ben Croft - 11 AM Saturday
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO - 2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am Round of 16
There have been two upsets on the bottom of the draw at the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am tournament in Herndon, Virginia. In the Round of 16, Christie Huczek defeated third seed Cheryl Gudinas, 11-6, 11-7, 11-1, and Cristina Amaya beat Jennifer Saunders, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10.
Huczek will next play Adrienne Fisher, who beat T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10, while Amaya will take on Rhonda Rajsich, who was a winner over Anita Maldonado, 11-0, 11-7, 11-1.
There was also an upset on the top side of the draw, as Susana Acosta defeated Krystal Csuk, 11-6, 11-2, 11-6, to create an all Mexican face off, as she'll meet #1 seed Paola Longoria, who beat Linda Scales, 11-3, 11-6, 11-9.
While the other two matches on the top side were won by the higher seeded players, both 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis and 5th seed Kerri Wachtel needed five games to fend off their opponents. Salas Solis beat fellow Mexican Nancy Enriquez, 11-5, 2-11, 2-11, 11-4, 11-7, while Wachtel defeated Angela Grisar, 11-3, 11-13, 11-6, 9-11, 11-1.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 17 Linda Scales, 11-3, 11-6, 11-9
9 Susana Acosta d. 8 Krystal Csuk, 11-6, 11-2, 11-6
5 Kerri Wachtel d. 12 Angela Grisar, 11-3, 11-13, 11-6, 9-11, 11-1
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Nancy Enriquez, 11-5, 2-11, 2-11, 11-4, 11-7
14 Christie Huczek d. 3 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-6, 11-7, 11-1
6 Adrienne Fisher d. 11 T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10
10 Cristina Amaya d. 7 Jen Saunders, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 15 Anita Maldonado, 11-0, 11-7, 11-1
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Susana Acosta
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 5 Kerri Wachtel
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 14 Christie Huczek
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 10 Cristina Amaya
Follow the bouncing ball....
Huczek will next play Adrienne Fisher, who beat T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10, while Amaya will take on Rhonda Rajsich, who was a winner over Anita Maldonado, 11-0, 11-7, 11-1.
There was also an upset on the top side of the draw, as Susana Acosta defeated Krystal Csuk, 11-6, 11-2, 11-6, to create an all Mexican face off, as she'll meet #1 seed Paola Longoria, who beat Linda Scales, 11-3, 11-6, 11-9.
While the other two matches on the top side were won by the higher seeded players, both 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis and 5th seed Kerri Wachtel needed five games to fend off their opponents. Salas Solis beat fellow Mexican Nancy Enriquez, 11-5, 2-11, 2-11, 11-4, 11-7, while Wachtel defeated Angela Grisar, 11-3, 11-13, 11-6, 9-11, 11-1.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 17 Linda Scales, 11-3, 11-6, 11-9
9 Susana Acosta d. 8 Krystal Csuk, 11-6, 11-2, 11-6
5 Kerri Wachtel d. 12 Angela Grisar, 11-3, 11-13, 11-6, 9-11, 11-1
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Nancy Enriquez, 11-5, 2-11, 2-11, 11-4, 11-7
14 Christie Huczek d. 3 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-6, 11-7, 11-1
6 Adrienne Fisher d. 11 T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10
10 Cristina Amaya d. 7 Jen Saunders, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 15 Anita Maldonado, 11-0, 11-7, 11-1
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Susana Acosta
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 5 Kerri Wachtel
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 14 Christie Huczek
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 10 Cristina Amaya
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am Round of 16
Tony Carson has reached the quarter finals of an International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Tier 1 event for the first time ever, as he defeated Shane Vanderson, 3-11, 7-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2 at the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am in Salt Lake City, Utah. He'll face the winner of Jack Huczek and Felipe Camacho in the quarters later on Friday.
After dropping the first two games, Carson came back helped by big leads to begin both game three (6-0) and game four (7-0). After that big lead in game four, Vanderson seemed disinterested, and perhaps was waiting for the tie-breaker to end the match.
In the tie-breaker, Vanderson did score the first two points, but Carson replied with 11 unanswered for his biggest IRT victory ever.
The IRT Network will soon be web-casting the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am quarter final matches. Remember there will be two rounds of play Saturday, as the final will be Saturday night rather than Sunday as per usual.
The semis are set to go at 11 AM and noon on Saturday with the final at 7 PM. All times are MDT.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Arthur Schmeiser, 11-0, 11-0, 11-1
Chris Crowther d. Charlie Pratt, 12-10, 10-12, 11-9, 9-11, 11-1
Tony Carson d. Shane Vanderson, 3-11, 7-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2
Jack Huczek v. Felipe Camacho,
Ben Croft d. Mike Orr, 9-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4
Andy Hawthorne d. Javier Moreno, 11-8, 6-11, 11-4, 11-7
Jose Rojas d. Anthony Herrera, 7-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-2
Rocky Carson d. Peter Wrigley, 11-3, 11-1, 11-0
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Chris Crowther
Tony Carson v. Jack Huczek or Felipe Camacho
Ben Croft v. Andy Hawthorne
Rocky Carson v. Jose Rojas
Follow the bouncing ball....
After dropping the first two games, Carson came back helped by big leads to begin both game three (6-0) and game four (7-0). After that big lead in game four, Vanderson seemed disinterested, and perhaps was waiting for the tie-breaker to end the match.
In the tie-breaker, Vanderson did score the first two points, but Carson replied with 11 unanswered for his biggest IRT victory ever.
The IRT Network will soon be web-casting the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am quarter final matches. Remember there will be two rounds of play Saturday, as the final will be Saturday night rather than Sunday as per usual.
The semis are set to go at 11 AM and noon on Saturday with the final at 7 PM. All times are MDT.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Arthur Schmeiser, 11-0, 11-0, 11-1
Chris Crowther d. Charlie Pratt, 12-10, 10-12, 11-9, 9-11, 11-1
Tony Carson d. Shane Vanderson, 3-11, 7-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2
Jack Huczek v. Felipe Camacho,
Ben Croft d. Mike Orr, 9-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4
Andy Hawthorne d. Javier Moreno, 11-8, 6-11, 11-4, 11-7
Jose Rojas d. Anthony Herrera, 7-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-2
Rocky Carson d. Peter Wrigley, 11-3, 11-1, 11-0
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Chris Crowther
Tony Carson v. Jack Huczek or Felipe Camacho
Ben Croft v. Andy Hawthorne
Rocky Carson v. Jose Rojas
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO - 2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am Round 1 COMPLETE
Susana Acosta has played some of the longest matches this season on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour, but her match on Friday in the 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am in Herndon, Virginia against former top 5 player Kristen Bellows was not one of them, as Acosta won in three straight games, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1.
Acosta will now play Krystal Csuk in the Round of 16 later today.
In the first round there was only one minor upset as Linda Scales defeated Laura Brandt, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9, 11-3, in the 16-17 game; Scales was seeded 17th and Brandt 16th.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Round of 32 with seeding and (WPRO rank)
1 (1) Paola Longoria - BYE
17 (30) Linda Scales d. 16 (24) Laura Brandt, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9, 11-3
9 (9) Susana Acosta d. 24 (-) Kristen Bellows, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1
BYE - 8 (8) Krystal Csuk
5 (5) Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 (14) Angela Grisar d. 21 (46) Yolanda Jordan, 11-4, 11-1, 11-7
13 (15) Nancy Enriquez d. 20 (40) Ana Paola Nunez, 11-4, 11-9, 5-11, 11-1
BYE - 4 (4) Samantha Salas Solis
3 (3) Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 (17) Christie Huczek d. 19 (37) Kimberly Ferina, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
11 (13) T. J. Baumbaugh d. 22 (71) Tracy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-4, 12-10
BYE - 6 (6) Adrienne Fisher
7 (7) Jen Saunders - BYE
10 (10) Cristina Amaya d. 23 (74) Kimberly Irons, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10
15 (21) Anita Maldonado d. 18 (33) Carolina Gomez, default
BYE - 2 (2) Rhonda Rajsich
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 17 Linda Scales
8 Krystal Csuk v. 9 Susana Acosta
5 Kerri Wachtel v. 12 Angela Grisar
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 13 Nancy Enriquez
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 14 Christie Huczek
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 11 T. J. Baumbaugh
7 Jen Saunders v. 10 Cristina Amaya
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 15 Anita Maldonado
Follow the bouncing ball....
Acosta will now play Krystal Csuk in the Round of 16 later today.
In the first round there was only one minor upset as Linda Scales defeated Laura Brandt, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9, 11-3, in the 16-17 game; Scales was seeded 17th and Brandt 16th.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Round of 32 with seeding and (WPRO rank)
1 (1) Paola Longoria - BYE
17 (30) Linda Scales d. 16 (24) Laura Brandt, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9, 11-3
9 (9) Susana Acosta d. 24 (-) Kristen Bellows, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1
BYE - 8 (8) Krystal Csuk
5 (5) Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 (14) Angela Grisar d. 21 (46) Yolanda Jordan, 11-4, 11-1, 11-7
13 (15) Nancy Enriquez d. 20 (40) Ana Paola Nunez, 11-4, 11-9, 5-11, 11-1
BYE - 4 (4) Samantha Salas Solis
3 (3) Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 (17) Christie Huczek d. 19 (37) Kimberly Ferina, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
11 (13) T. J. Baumbaugh d. 22 (71) Tracy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-4, 12-10
BYE - 6 (6) Adrienne Fisher
7 (7) Jen Saunders - BYE
10 (10) Cristina Amaya d. 23 (74) Kimberly Irons, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10
15 (21) Anita Maldonado d. 18 (33) Carolina Gomez, default
BYE - 2 (2) Rhonda Rajsich
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 17 Linda Scales
8 Krystal Csuk v. 9 Susana Acosta
5 Kerri Wachtel v. 12 Angela Grisar
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 13 Nancy Enriquez
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 14 Christie Huczek
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 11 T. J. Baumbaugh
7 Jen Saunders v. 10 Cristina Amaya
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 15 Anita Maldonado
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO - 2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am Round 1
Play has begun in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization's (WPRO's) 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am in Herndon, Virginia. The draw that we here at The Racquetball Blog speculated on is, in fact, correct (we're so smart!).
Christie Huczek has won her first match against Kimberly Ferina, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3, and will play Cheryl Gudinas in the Round of 16 later today.
Other early winners are T.J. Baumbaugh, who defeated Tracy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-4, 12-10, Cristina Amaya, a 11-6, 11-5, 12-10 winner over Kimberly Irons, and Anita Maldonado won by default against Carolina Gomez.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Round of 32 with seeding and (WPRO rank)
1 (1) Paola Longoria - BYE
17 (30) Linda Scales d. 16 (24) Laura Brandt, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9, 11-3
9 (9) Susana Acosta v. 24 (-) Kristen Bellows
BYE - 8 (8) Krystal Csuk
5 (5) Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 (14) Angela Grisar d. 21 (46) Yolanda Jordan, 11-4, 11-1, 11-7
13 (15) Nancy Enriquez d. 20 (40) Ana Paola Nunez, 11-4, 11-9, 5-11, 11-1
BYE - 4 (4) Samantha Salas Solis
3 (3) Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 (17) Christie Huczek d. 19 (37) Kimberly Ferina, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
11 (13) T. J. Baumbaugh d. 22 (71) Tracy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-4, 12-10
BYE - 6 (6) Adrienne Fisher
7 (7) Jen Saunders - BYE
10 (10) Cristina Amaya d. 23 (74) Kimberly Irons, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10
15 (21) Anita Maldonado d. 18 (33) Carolina Gomez, default
BYE - 2 (2) Rhonda Rajsich
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 17 Linda Scales
8 Krystal Csuk v. 9 Susana Acosta or 24 Kristen Bellows
5 Kerri Wachtel v. 12 Angela Grisar
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 13 Nancy Enriquez
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 14 Christie Huczek
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 11 T. J. Baumbaugh
7 Jen Saunders v. 10 Cristina Amaya
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 15 Anita Maldonado
Follow the bouncing ball....
Christie Huczek has won her first match against Kimberly Ferina, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3, and will play Cheryl Gudinas in the Round of 16 later today.
Other early winners are T.J. Baumbaugh, who defeated Tracy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-4, 12-10, Cristina Amaya, a 11-6, 11-5, 12-10 winner over Kimberly Irons, and Anita Maldonado won by default against Carolina Gomez.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Round of 32 with seeding and (WPRO rank)
1 (1) Paola Longoria - BYE
17 (30) Linda Scales d. 16 (24) Laura Brandt, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9, 11-3
9 (9) Susana Acosta v. 24 (-) Kristen Bellows
BYE - 8 (8) Krystal Csuk
5 (5) Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 (14) Angela Grisar d. 21 (46) Yolanda Jordan, 11-4, 11-1, 11-7
13 (15) Nancy Enriquez d. 20 (40) Ana Paola Nunez, 11-4, 11-9, 5-11, 11-1
BYE - 4 (4) Samantha Salas Solis
3 (3) Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 (17) Christie Huczek d. 19 (37) Kimberly Ferina, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
11 (13) T. J. Baumbaugh d. 22 (71) Tracy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-4, 12-10
BYE - 6 (6) Adrienne Fisher
7 (7) Jen Saunders - BYE
10 (10) Cristina Amaya d. 23 (74) Kimberly Irons, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10
15 (21) Anita Maldonado d. 18 (33) Carolina Gomez, default
BYE - 2 (2) Rhonda Rajsich
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 17 Linda Scales
8 Krystal Csuk v. 9 Susana Acosta or 24 Kristen Bellows
5 Kerri Wachtel v. 12 Angela Grisar
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 13 Nancy Enriquez
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 14 Christie Huczek
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 11 T. J. Baumbaugh
7 Jen Saunders v. 10 Cristina Amaya
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 15 Anita Maldonado
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am Prelim Results
The qualifying results are in at the International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am in Salt Lake City, Utah and there was only one upset, as Peter Wrigley beat Stacey Young, 11-3, 13-11, 11-6. Wrigley will face Rocky Carson in the Round of 16 on Friday.
As anticipated in the 16s, Javier Moreno will play Andy Hawthorne, and Anthony Herrera faces off with Jose Rojas and Charlie Pratt takes on Chris Crowther. All of those should be good matches to see.
Remember that for this event there will be two rounds of play on Friday and Saturday; the final will be Saturday night rather than Sunday at noon, as the IRT usually does. The semis are set to go at 11 AM and noon on Saturday with the final at 7 PM. All times are MDT.
The IRT Network will begin web-casting the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am matches beginning Friday at 11:30 AM MDT with Round of 16 matches.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Round 1
Q8: Arthur Schmeiser d. Joe Workman, 10-12, 11-5, 11-9, 11-0
Q1: Charlie Pratt d. Jarred Torres, 9-11, 12-10, 11-5, 11-1
Q4: Tony Carson d. Andrew Gale, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4
Q5: Felipe Camacho d. Brad Brumbaugh, 11-5, 11-1, 11-8
Q6: Mike Orr d. Steve Bohman, 11-6, 11-3, 11-2
Q3: Javier Moreno d. Brandon Gould, 5-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-3
Q2: Anthony Herrera d. Matthew Majxner, 1-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1
Q7: Peter Wrigley d. Stacey Young, 11-3, 13-11, 11-6
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Arthur Schmeiser
Chris Crowther v. Charlie Pratt
Shane Vanderson v. Tony Carson
Jack Huczek v. Felipe Camacho
Ben Croft v. Mike Orr
Andy Hawthorne v. Javier Moreno
Jose Rojas v. Anthony Herrera
Rocky Carson v. Peter Wrigley
Follow the bouncing ball....
As anticipated in the 16s, Javier Moreno will play Andy Hawthorne, and Anthony Herrera faces off with Jose Rojas and Charlie Pratt takes on Chris Crowther. All of those should be good matches to see.
Remember that for this event there will be two rounds of play on Friday and Saturday; the final will be Saturday night rather than Sunday at noon, as the IRT usually does. The semis are set to go at 11 AM and noon on Saturday with the final at 7 PM. All times are MDT.
The IRT Network will begin web-casting the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am matches beginning Friday at 11:30 AM MDT with Round of 16 matches.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Round 1
Q8: Arthur Schmeiser d. Joe Workman, 10-12, 11-5, 11-9, 11-0
Q1: Charlie Pratt d. Jarred Torres, 9-11, 12-10, 11-5, 11-1
Q4: Tony Carson d. Andrew Gale, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4
Q5: Felipe Camacho d. Brad Brumbaugh, 11-5, 11-1, 11-8
Q6: Mike Orr d. Steve Bohman, 11-6, 11-3, 11-2
Q3: Javier Moreno d. Brandon Gould, 5-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-3
Q2: Anthony Herrera d. Matthew Majxner, 1-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1
Q7: Peter Wrigley d. Stacey Young, 11-3, 13-11, 11-6
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Arthur Schmeiser
Chris Crowther v. Charlie Pratt
Shane Vanderson v. Tony Carson
Jack Huczek v. Felipe Camacho
Ben Croft v. Mike Orr
Andy Hawthorne v. Javier Moreno
Jose Rojas v. Anthony Herrera
Rocky Carson v. Peter Wrigley
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, March 17, 2011
IRT - MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am Preview
The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) has gone from one of its biggest draws of the season last weekend at the Florida Spring Break Pro-Am in Tampa to one of its smallest, as there are only 16 players in qualifying at the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am in Salt Lake City, Utah. That means there will only be one round of qualifying matches on Thursday.
Last week The Racquetball Blog said the big questions for the Florida Spring Break tournament were: "Will Kane Waselenchuk win another tournament? Will Rocky Carson pull off the big upset that he was so close to last time out? Will Ben Croft get back to his winning ways?"
The answers we got from Florida were yes, no, and yes, as Waselenchuk won again, defeating Carson in the final, and Croft had a better tournament in Florida than in San Diego. He reached the semi-finals and was one game away from the finals, going five games with Carson in the semi-finals.
This week in Salt Lake City, Javier Moreno is in qualifying and will potentially play Andy Hawthorne in the 16s and Croft in the quarter-finals. Other interesting potential match ups are Anthony Herrera versus Jose Rojas and Charlie Pratt taking on Chris Crowther, but both Herrera and Pratt need to win their qualifying matches first.
A note about scheduling: the final will be played on Saturday, so the same day as the semi-finals. The semis are set to go at 11 AM and noon on Saturday will the final at 7 PM. All times are MDT.
We expect the IRT Network will begin web-casting the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am matches beginning Friday at 11:30 AM MDT with Round of 16 matches.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Qualifying Round
Q8: Arthur Schmeiser v. Joe Workman
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Jarred Torres
Q4: Tony Carson v. Andrew Gale
Q5: Felipe Camacho v. Brad Brumbaugh
Q6: Mike Orr v. Steve Bohman
Q3: Javier Moreno v. Brandon Gould
Q2: Anthony Herrera v. Matthew Majxner
Q7: Stacey Young v. Peter Wrigley
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Chris Crowther v. Q1
Shane Vanderson v. Q4
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Andy Hawthorne v. Q3
Jose Rojas v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Last week The Racquetball Blog said the big questions for the Florida Spring Break tournament were: "Will Kane Waselenchuk win another tournament? Will Rocky Carson pull off the big upset that he was so close to last time out? Will Ben Croft get back to his winning ways?"
The answers we got from Florida were yes, no, and yes, as Waselenchuk won again, defeating Carson in the final, and Croft had a better tournament in Florida than in San Diego. He reached the semi-finals and was one game away from the finals, going five games with Carson in the semi-finals.
This week in Salt Lake City, Javier Moreno is in qualifying and will potentially play Andy Hawthorne in the 16s and Croft in the quarter-finals. Other interesting potential match ups are Anthony Herrera versus Jose Rojas and Charlie Pratt taking on Chris Crowther, but both Herrera and Pratt need to win their qualifying matches first.
A note about scheduling: the final will be played on Saturday, so the same day as the semi-finals. The semis are set to go at 11 AM and noon on Saturday will the final at 7 PM. All times are MDT.
We expect the IRT Network will begin web-casting the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am matches beginning Friday at 11:30 AM MDT with Round of 16 matches.
2011 MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro-Am, Salt Lake City, Utah
Qualifying Round
Q8: Arthur Schmeiser v. Joe Workman
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Jarred Torres
Q4: Tony Carson v. Andrew Gale
Q5: Felipe Camacho v. Brad Brumbaugh
Q6: Mike Orr v. Steve Bohman
Q3: Javier Moreno v. Brandon Gould
Q2: Anthony Herrera v. Matthew Majxner
Q7: Stacey Young v. Peter Wrigley
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Chris Crowther v. Q1
Shane Vanderson v. Q4
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Andy Hawthorne v. Q3
Jose Rojas v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
WPRO - 2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am Preview
This weekend's Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) event, the 2011 SCS Title and Escrow Pro-Am in Herndon, Virginia has all the usual suspects as well as a couple of familiar names that haven't been on the scene of late.
Kristen Bellows will play her first tournament since December 2009. It's been so long between tournaments that Bellows isn't in the most recent WPRO rankings, which should mean she'll be ranked last this weekend.
Christie Huczek (née Van Hees) is the other familiar but infrequent WPRO player registered for the weekend. She's only played in two other events this season, but reached the semi-finals both times.
While having Bellows and Huczek in the draw this weekend will be a good thing for racquetball fans, it won't be so good for their opponents. The Racquetball Blog has done up an unofficial draw to see where they might fit into the draw.
Bellows looks to match up with Susana Acosta in the first round with a potential quarter final meeting with top seed Paola Longoria. Huczek is on the other side of the draw and if she beats Kimberly Ferina in the first round could face off with long time rival Cheryl Gudinas, who's seeded third.
Two other potentially interesting 2nd round matches, if we've got the draw right, would be Samantha Salas Solis versus Nancy Enriquez and Kerri Wachtel versus Angela Grisar.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Round of 32 with seeding and (WPRO rank)
1 (1) Paola Longoria
BYE
16 (24) Laura Brandt
17 (30) Linda Scales
9 (9) Susana Acosta
24 (-) Kristen Bellows
BYE
8 (8) Krystal Csuk
5 (5) Kerri Wachtel
BYE
12 (14) Angela Grisar
21 (46) Yolanda Jordan
13 (15) Nancy Enriquez
20 (40) Ana Paola Nunez
BYE
4 (4) Samantha Salas Solis
3 (3) Cheryl Gudinas
BYE
14 (17) Christie Huczek
19 (37) Kimberly Ferina
11 (13) T. J. Baumbaugh
22 (71) Tracy Hawthorne
BYE
6 (6) Adrienne Fisher
7 (7) Jen Saunders
BYE
10 (10) Cristina Amaya
23 (74) Kimberly Irons
15 (21) Anita Maldonado
18 (33) Carolina Gomez
BYE
2 (2) Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
Kristen Bellows will play her first tournament since December 2009. It's been so long between tournaments that Bellows isn't in the most recent WPRO rankings, which should mean she'll be ranked last this weekend.
Christie Huczek (née Van Hees) is the other familiar but infrequent WPRO player registered for the weekend. She's only played in two other events this season, but reached the semi-finals both times.
While having Bellows and Huczek in the draw this weekend will be a good thing for racquetball fans, it won't be so good for their opponents. The Racquetball Blog has done up an unofficial draw to see where they might fit into the draw.
Bellows looks to match up with Susana Acosta in the first round with a potential quarter final meeting with top seed Paola Longoria. Huczek is on the other side of the draw and if she beats Kimberly Ferina in the first round could face off with long time rival Cheryl Gudinas, who's seeded third.
Two other potentially interesting 2nd round matches, if we've got the draw right, would be Samantha Salas Solis versus Nancy Enriquez and Kerri Wachtel versus Angela Grisar.
2011 SCS Title & Escrow Pro-Am - Herndon, Virginia
Round of 32 with seeding and (WPRO rank)
1 (1) Paola Longoria
BYE
16 (24) Laura Brandt
17 (30) Linda Scales
9 (9) Susana Acosta
24 (-) Kristen Bellows
BYE
8 (8) Krystal Csuk
5 (5) Kerri Wachtel
BYE
12 (14) Angela Grisar
21 (46) Yolanda Jordan
13 (15) Nancy Enriquez
20 (40) Ana Paola Nunez
BYE
4 (4) Samantha Salas Solis
3 (3) Cheryl Gudinas
BYE
14 (17) Christie Huczek
19 (37) Kimberly Ferina
11 (13) T. J. Baumbaugh
22 (71) Tracy Hawthorne
BYE
6 (6) Adrienne Fisher
7 (7) Jen Saunders
BYE
10 (10) Cristina Amaya
23 (74) Kimberly Irons
15 (21) Anita Maldonado
18 (33) Carolina Gomez
BYE
2 (2) Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
WPRO Rankings - March 15, 2011
There's no change in the top 8 of the latest Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) rankings, with Paola Longoria in the top spot and Rhonda Rajsich second. But Susana Acosta and Cristina Amaya have broken into the top 10 - Amaya for the first time - at #9 and #10, respectively, pushing Jo Shattuck down to #11.
Also moving up are Angela Grisar, who's now #14, and Nancy Enriquez, who in 15th place now. Also, Da'monique Davis is up to #20.
WPRO Rankings March 15, 2011
Rank Name Nationality Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1687.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1561.90
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 1023.00
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 795.40
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 478.00
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 434.40
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 414.10
8 Krystal Csuk (USA) 366.80
9 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 325.80
10 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 284.38
11 Jo Shattuck (USA) 282.80
12 Keely Franks (USA) 245.50
13 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 235.50
14 Angela Grisar (Chile) 213.00
15 Nancy Enriquez (Mexico) 175.48
16 Vivian Gomez (USA) 171.00
17 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.00
18 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 135.60
19 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
20 Da'monique Davis (USA) 115.00
Follow the bouncing ball....
Also moving up are Angela Grisar, who's now #14, and Nancy Enriquez, who in 15th place now. Also, Da'monique Davis is up to #20.
WPRO Rankings March 15, 2011
Rank Name Nationality Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1687.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1561.90
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 1023.00
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 795.40
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 478.00
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 434.40
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 414.10
8 Krystal Csuk (USA) 366.80
9 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 325.80
10 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 284.38
11 Jo Shattuck (USA) 282.80
12 Keely Franks (USA) 245.50
13 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 235.50
14 Angela Grisar (Chile) 213.00
15 Nancy Enriquez (Mexico) 175.48
16 Vivian Gomez (USA) 171.00
17 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.00
18 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 135.60
19 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
20 Da'monique Davis (USA) 115.00
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, March 14, 2011
Weekend Round Up - Lavely & Cordova win in Tampa
Dan Lavely won the Men's Open division at the Florida Spring Break Pro-Am tournament, defeating Cesar Castro in the final, 15-13, 15-14. In the semi-finals, Lavely beat Ivan Villegas, 15-10, 15-11, and Castro defeated Travis Aldinger, 15-12, 15-5.
Castro did win Men's open doubles though, as he teamed up with Cesar Castillo and beat Canadians Lee Connell and Josh Keil in the final, 15-10, 15-6.
The women's open division in Tampa featured some good young South American players that resulted in an all Ecuador final, as Cristina Cordova defeated Maria Paz Munoz, 14-15, 15-14, 11-7. In the semis, Cordova defeated Ivonne Carpio, also of Ecuador, and Munoz beat American Sara Noyes, 15-7, 15-3.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Men's Open Final
Dan Lavely d. Cesar Castro, 15-13, 15-14
Semi-finals
Dan Lavely d. Ivan Villegas, 15-10, 15-11
Cesar Castro d. Travis Aldinger, 15-12, 15-5
Women's Open Final
Cristina Cordova d. Maria Paz Munoz, 14-15, 15-14, 11-7
Semi-finals
Cristina Cordova d. Ivonne Carpio
Maria Paz Munoz d. Sara Noyes, 15-7, 15-3
Follow the bouncing ball....
Castro did win Men's open doubles though, as he teamed up with Cesar Castillo and beat Canadians Lee Connell and Josh Keil in the final, 15-10, 15-6.
The women's open division in Tampa featured some good young South American players that resulted in an all Ecuador final, as Cristina Cordova defeated Maria Paz Munoz, 14-15, 15-14, 11-7. In the semis, Cordova defeated Ivonne Carpio, also of Ecuador, and Munoz beat American Sara Noyes, 15-7, 15-3.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Men's Open Final
Dan Lavely d. Cesar Castro, 15-13, 15-14
Semi-finals
Dan Lavely d. Ivan Villegas, 15-10, 15-11
Cesar Castro d. Travis Aldinger, 15-12, 15-5
Women's Open Final
Cristina Cordova d. Maria Paz Munoz, 14-15, 15-14, 11-7
Semi-finals
Cristina Cordova d. Ivonne Carpio
Maria Paz Munoz d. Sara Noyes, 15-7, 15-3
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Waselenchuk wins 2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Kane Waselenchuk defeated Rocky Carson, 11-9, 11-4, 11-5, to win the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Spring Break Pro-Am tournament. Waselenchuk hasn't lost on court since January 2009.
After the match, Waselenchuk said he wanted to "make a statement" after going tie-breaker with Carson in their previous meeting, adding "I played really smart, and didn't make too many mistakes," while Carson "made more than he usually does."
For his part, Carson bemoaned his lack of consistency, saying it "comes down to execution," and that next time he's "just got to execute a little bit better."
Game one was close, as Waselenchuk took an early lead 3-0, only to have Carson go up 4-3. They were tied at 8-8, and Carson fended off one game point at 10-8 and scored one himself to close the gap to 10-9. But Waselenchuk made good on his second game point opportunity to win 11-9.
The early story line in game two was similar to game one, as Waselenchuk was up 3-1 and then down 4-3. But at the point he switched from drive serves to lob serves to the right side - Carson's forehand. Carson didn't serve again, as Waselenchuk ran the table to win 11-4, even though Carson's time out at 8-4.
Waselenchuk controlled game three early by going up 6-1. Carson made a run to cut the lead to 2 at 6-4, but that was about all he could do, as Waselenchuk went on to win 11-5 and take the match in three games.
Carson primarily hit drive serves straight down the right hand wall to the lefthanded Waselenchuk's backhand. For his part, Waselenchuk used a variety of serves, often drive serving in game one and game three, when he also used the lob.
The next IRT Tier 1 event will be in Salt Lake City next weekend for the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro/Am, and then in St Louis the following weekend for the Party With The Pros tournament.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-9, 11-4, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
After the match, Waselenchuk said he wanted to "make a statement" after going tie-breaker with Carson in their previous meeting, adding "I played really smart, and didn't make too many mistakes," while Carson "made more than he usually does."
For his part, Carson bemoaned his lack of consistency, saying it "comes down to execution," and that next time he's "just got to execute a little bit better."
Game one was close, as Waselenchuk took an early lead 3-0, only to have Carson go up 4-3. They were tied at 8-8, and Carson fended off one game point at 10-8 and scored one himself to close the gap to 10-9. But Waselenchuk made good on his second game point opportunity to win 11-9.
The early story line in game two was similar to game one, as Waselenchuk was up 3-1 and then down 4-3. But at the point he switched from drive serves to lob serves to the right side - Carson's forehand. Carson didn't serve again, as Waselenchuk ran the table to win 11-4, even though Carson's time out at 8-4.
Waselenchuk controlled game three early by going up 6-1. Carson made a run to cut the lead to 2 at 6-4, but that was about all he could do, as Waselenchuk went on to win 11-5 and take the match in three games.
Carson primarily hit drive serves straight down the right hand wall to the lefthanded Waselenchuk's backhand. For his part, Waselenchuk used a variety of serves, often drive serving in game one and game three, when he also used the lob.
The next IRT Tier 1 event will be in Salt Lake City next weekend for the MonaVie Salt Lake City Pro/Am, and then in St Louis the following weekend for the Party With The Pros tournament.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-9, 11-4, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, March 12, 2011
IRT - Florida Spring Break Semi-finals
The first semi-final of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Spring Break Pro-Am tournament was a see-saw match, as Rocky Carson defeated Ben Croft in five games, winning the odd numbered games and losing the even numbered ones with the final score line of 11-7, 6-11, 11-0, 6-11, 11-0.
Carson played his usual game style with many z serves to the left - Croft's backhand. But he did hit a few drive serves to the right, including one that was an ace and the 10th point in the tie-breaker.
Croft drove serve primarily, and was all over the floor - literally as he often dove to keep the ball in play. The most spectacular rally came in the middle of game one when Croft was on the floor four times, including a dive along the left side that Croft was able to hit forward while diving backward, then he dove twice more to win the rally.
But in the end all that effort wasn't enough, as Carson came out on top.
In the second semi-final, Kane Waselenchuk, the IRT's #1 player, once again defeated #4 Jack Huczek, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9. Waselenchuk led all the way in game one, with leads of 7-1 and 8-3 before closing it out.
But in game two, they were level at 3-3 before Waselenchuk went on to win 11-7. Then in game three Waselenchuk had a 10-3 lead only to see Huczek cut the lead to one point at 10-9. That comeback included an avoidable call on Waselenchuk off a z serve when Huczek returned the serve straight through the middle of the court, hitting Waselenchuk.
However, in a case of "goes around, comes around" Huczek was called for an avoidable when he was serving at 9-10. There was some doubt in The Racquetball Blog office whether the play warranted an avoidable call, but regardless Waselenchuk got the serve back and he made no mistake as he finished off the game and match on the ensuing rally.
The IRT Network will web-cast the final from Tampa at noon on Sunday.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9
Rocky Carson d. Ben Croft, 11-7, 6-11, 11-0, 6-11, 11-0
Final
Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson - Noon EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Carson played his usual game style with many z serves to the left - Croft's backhand. But he did hit a few drive serves to the right, including one that was an ace and the 10th point in the tie-breaker.
Croft drove serve primarily, and was all over the floor - literally as he often dove to keep the ball in play. The most spectacular rally came in the middle of game one when Croft was on the floor four times, including a dive along the left side that Croft was able to hit forward while diving backward, then he dove twice more to win the rally.
But in the end all that effort wasn't enough, as Carson came out on top.
In the second semi-final, Kane Waselenchuk, the IRT's #1 player, once again defeated #4 Jack Huczek, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9. Waselenchuk led all the way in game one, with leads of 7-1 and 8-3 before closing it out.
But in game two, they were level at 3-3 before Waselenchuk went on to win 11-7. Then in game three Waselenchuk had a 10-3 lead only to see Huczek cut the lead to one point at 10-9. That comeback included an avoidable call on Waselenchuk off a z serve when Huczek returned the serve straight through the middle of the court, hitting Waselenchuk.
However, in a case of "goes around, comes around" Huczek was called for an avoidable when he was serving at 9-10. There was some doubt in The Racquetball Blog office whether the play warranted an avoidable call, but regardless Waselenchuk got the serve back and he made no mistake as he finished off the game and match on the ensuing rally.
The IRT Network will web-cast the final from Tampa at noon on Sunday.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9
Rocky Carson d. Ben Croft, 11-7, 6-11, 11-0, 6-11, 11-0
Final
Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson - Noon EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, March 11, 2011
IRT - Florida Spring Break QFs
All four top seeds won their quarter final matches on Friday at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Spring Break Pro-Am tournament and they did so in convincing fashion. Kane Waselenchuk, the IRT's #1 player, beat Andy Hawthorne, 11-2, 11-4, 11-4, and IRT #2 Rocky Carson also had a three straight game victory over Shane Vanderson, 11-7, 11-6, 11-4.
The third and fourth seeds also won in three straight. Third seed Ben Croft defeated Chris Crowther, 11-6, 11-1, 11-5, and Jack Huczek took out Jose Rojas, 11-2, 11-2, 13-11.
Rojas almost forced a fourth game, as he came back from 10-1 down to lead 11-10. But he wasn't able to get the 12th point, as the lob serves he was hitting tight to the right side wall couldn't carry him over the finish line.
The IRT Network is web-casting the rest of the matches from Tampa.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-2, 11-4, 11-4
Jack Huczek d. Jose Rojas, 11-2, 11-2, 13-11
Ben Croft d. Chris Crowther, 11-6, 11-1, 11-5
Rocky Carson d. Shane Vanderson, 11-7, 11-6, 11-4
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek - 4 PM EST
Rocky Carson v. Ben Croft - 5 PM EST
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. David Horn, 11-1, 11-3, 11-1
Andy Hawthorne d. Charlie Pratt, 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7
Jose Rojas d. Dan Lavely, 11-6, 4-11, 11-6, 11-2
Jack Huczek d. Mike Green, 11-9, 11-4, 9-11, 11-7
Ben Croft v. Teobaldo Fumero, 6-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-4
Chris Crowther d. Alejandro Herrera, 6-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5
Shane Vanderson d. Mike Harmon, 11-0, 11-5, 11-2
Rocky Carson d. Alex Ackermann, 11-4, 11-7, 11-0
Follow the bouncing ball....
The third and fourth seeds also won in three straight. Third seed Ben Croft defeated Chris Crowther, 11-6, 11-1, 11-5, and Jack Huczek took out Jose Rojas, 11-2, 11-2, 13-11.
Rojas almost forced a fourth game, as he came back from 10-1 down to lead 11-10. But he wasn't able to get the 12th point, as the lob serves he was hitting tight to the right side wall couldn't carry him over the finish line.
The IRT Network is web-casting the rest of the matches from Tampa.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-2, 11-4, 11-4
Jack Huczek d. Jose Rojas, 11-2, 11-2, 13-11
Ben Croft d. Chris Crowther, 11-6, 11-1, 11-5
Rocky Carson d. Shane Vanderson, 11-7, 11-6, 11-4
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek - 4 PM EST
Rocky Carson v. Ben Croft - 5 PM EST
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. David Horn, 11-1, 11-3, 11-1
Andy Hawthorne d. Charlie Pratt, 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7
Jose Rojas d. Dan Lavely, 11-6, 4-11, 11-6, 11-2
Jack Huczek d. Mike Green, 11-9, 11-4, 9-11, 11-7
Ben Croft v. Teobaldo Fumero, 6-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-4
Chris Crowther d. Alejandro Herrera, 6-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5
Shane Vanderson d. Mike Harmon, 11-0, 11-5, 11-2
Rocky Carson d. Alex Ackermann, 11-4, 11-7, 11-0
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - Florida Spring Break Round of 16 Results
The usual suspects are lining up at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Spring Break Pro-Am tournament, as the higher seeds have won all the Round of 16 matches so far, including top seed Kane Waselenchuk who defeated David Horn 11-1, 11-3, 11-1 to advance to the quarter finals later on Friday.
Jack Huczek defeated Mike Green in four games, 11-9, 11-4, 9-11, 11-7, but there wasn't the intrigue of their last contest back in October, as Huczek seemed to generally in control throughout the match while Green never got into a real groove with his drive serve.
Green drove serve through the match, and Huczek did the same early on but switched to lob serves in game two and stuck with that. There was a glimmer of hope for a fifth game, when Green tied it at 7-7, but Huczek came back strong and was able to end the match.
Alejandro Herrera almost caused an upset, as he won the first two games against Chris Crowther. But Herrera wasn't able to close out the match as Crowther won it in five games, 6-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5.
It looked like Herrera might pull off the upset, as he had a 5-2 advantage in the fifth game. But he made some unforced errors, and late in the game Crowther hit some drive serves that were just the right length - almost unplayable off the back wall. Crowther perhaps benefited from a broken ball at 8-5, which may have allowed for a little bit more carry to his drive serve.
Earlier, both Rocky Carson and Shane Vanderson won in three straight, handing out some donuts along the way. Carson beat Alex Ackermann, 11-4, 11-7, 11-0, and Vanderson defeated Mike Harmon, 11-0, 11-5, 11-2.
The IRT Network is web-casting matches from Tampa from now through the finals on Sunday.
2011 Florida Spring Break, Tampa, Florida
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. David Horn, 11-1, 11-3, 11-1
Andy Hawthorne d. Charlie Pratt, 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7
Jose Rojas v. Dan Lavely
Jack Huczek d. Mike Green, 11-9, 11-4, 9-11, 11-7
Ben Croft d. Teobaldo Fumero
Chris Crowther d. Alejandro Herrera, 6-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5
Shane Vanderson d. Mike Harmon, 11-0, 11-5, 11-2
Rocky Carson d. Alex Ackermann, 11-4, 11-7, 11-0
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Andy Hawthorne
Jack Huczek v. Jose Rojas or Dan Lavely
Ben Croft v. Chris Crowther
Rocky Carson v. Shane Vanderson
Follow the bouncing ball....
Jack Huczek defeated Mike Green in four games, 11-9, 11-4, 9-11, 11-7, but there wasn't the intrigue of their last contest back in October, as Huczek seemed to generally in control throughout the match while Green never got into a real groove with his drive serve.
Green drove serve through the match, and Huczek did the same early on but switched to lob serves in game two and stuck with that. There was a glimmer of hope for a fifth game, when Green tied it at 7-7, but Huczek came back strong and was able to end the match.
Alejandro Herrera almost caused an upset, as he won the first two games against Chris Crowther. But Herrera wasn't able to close out the match as Crowther won it in five games, 6-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5.
It looked like Herrera might pull off the upset, as he had a 5-2 advantage in the fifth game. But he made some unforced errors, and late in the game Crowther hit some drive serves that were just the right length - almost unplayable off the back wall. Crowther perhaps benefited from a broken ball at 8-5, which may have allowed for a little bit more carry to his drive serve.
Earlier, both Rocky Carson and Shane Vanderson won in three straight, handing out some donuts along the way. Carson beat Alex Ackermann, 11-4, 11-7, 11-0, and Vanderson defeated Mike Harmon, 11-0, 11-5, 11-2.
The IRT Network is web-casting matches from Tampa from now through the finals on Sunday.
2011 Florida Spring Break, Tampa, Florida
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. David Horn, 11-1, 11-3, 11-1
Andy Hawthorne d. Charlie Pratt, 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7
Jose Rojas v. Dan Lavely
Jack Huczek d. Mike Green, 11-9, 11-4, 9-11, 11-7
Ben Croft d. Teobaldo Fumero
Chris Crowther d. Alejandro Herrera, 6-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5
Shane Vanderson d. Mike Harmon, 11-0, 11-5, 11-2
Rocky Carson d. Alex Ackermann, 11-4, 11-7, 11-0
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Andy Hawthorne
Jack Huczek v. Jose Rojas or Dan Lavely
Ben Croft v. Chris Crowther
Rocky Carson v. Shane Vanderson
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, March 10, 2011
IRT - Florida Spring Break Prelims Complete
Eight players have now qualified for the Round of 16 at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Spring Break Pro-Am tournament. Some of them are the usual suspects but there are some surprises too.
Three players have made the 16s for the first time ever. Floridian Mike Harmon defeated Anthony Herrera, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5, Costa Rican Teobaldo Fumero beat Toby St. Pierre, 3-11, 11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 11-0, and young American Dan Lavely got a victory over Tony Carson by forfeit.
In the 16s, Harmon will face fellow Florida resident Shane Vanderson, while Fumero takes on Ben Croft, and Lavely plays Jose Rojas in a battle of former US Junior Team players.
The perhaps the marquee Round of 16 match will be Jack Huczek versus Mike Green. They went to four games last October in San Diego. In that match, it looked like Green was going to be up 2-1 after game three only to have Huczek come back and win that 12-10 and then use the momentum to finish it in four.
The IRT Network will begin web-casting the Round of 16 matches from Tampa beginning at 10:30 AM EST on Friday.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Round 3
Q8: David Horn d. Ivan Villegas, 11-7, 11-4, 11-3
Q1: Charlie Pratt d. Joe Linnell, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5
Q4: Dan Lavely d. Tony Carson, fft
Q5: Mike Green d. Lee Connell, 11-3, 11-5, 11-3
Q6: Teobaldo Fumero d. Toby St. Pierre, 3-11, 11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 11-0
Q3: Alejandro Herrera d. James Slamko, 11-6, 11-6, 11-1
Q2: Mike Harmon d. Anthony Herrera, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5
Q7: Alex Ackermann d. Paul Orszulak, 11-1, 11-0, 11-4
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. David Horn
Andy Hawthorne v. Charlie Pratt
Jose Rojas v. Dan Lavely
Jack Huczek v. Mike Green
Ben Croft v. Teobaldo Fumero
Chris Crowther v. Alejandro Herrera
Shane Vanderson v. Mike Harmon
Rocky Carson v. Alex Ackermann
Round 2
David Horn d. Allan Crockett, 11-6, 10-12, 10-12, 11-6, 11-5
Ivan Villegas d. Francisco Gomez, fft
Charlie Pratt - BYE
Joe Linnell d. Geoff Goldblatt, 11-4, 8-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5
Tony Carson - BYE
Dan Lavely d. Dan Case, 11-5, 11-5, 11-3
Mike Green - BYE
Lee Connell d. Jose Daniel Alvarez, 11-8, 11-3, 11-6
Toby St. Pierre d. Sebastian Franco
Teobaldo Fumero d. Juan Rivas
Alejandro Herrera - BYE
James Slamko d. Brad Schopieray, 9-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4
Anthony Herrera - BYE
Mike Harmon d. Travis Aldinger, 11-4, 11-6, 8-11, 2-11, 11-6
Paul Orszulak d. John Scott, 11-7, 11-8, 12-10
Alex Ackermann d. Bruno Casalvolone, 11-6, 11-0, 11-3
Round 1
Allan Crockett d. Joshua Keil, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1
Ivan Villegas d. Raul Banegas, 11-0, 11-9, 10-12, 11-6
Geoff Goldblatt d. Dayan Yamin, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7
Joe Linnell d. Stacey Young, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4
Dan Case d. John Davies, 7-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9
Dan Lavely d. Fernando Sierra, 11-7, 11-0, 11-6
Lee Connell d. Michael Bernstein, 11-9, 11-3, 11-7
Jose Daniel Alvarez d. Vinny Carvallo, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8
Toby St. Pierre d. Jorge Nassar, 11-3, 11-6, 11-5
Teobaldo Fumero d. Ricardo Paez, 11-5, 11-3, 11-3
James Slamko d. Jeremy Best, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-3
Brad Schopieray d. Bobby Ferreiri, 6-11, 11-3, 12-10, 11-8
Travis Aldinger d. Scott Gargasz, 11-2, 11-4, 11-8
Mike Harmon d. Christian Wer, 9-11, 11-9, 11-0, 11-3
Paul Orszulak d. Wesley Miller, 9-11, 11-0, 11-6, 11-5
Bruno Casalvolone d. Mauro Barbosa, 11-9, 11-5, 11-0
Follow the bouncing ball....
Three players have made the 16s for the first time ever. Floridian Mike Harmon defeated Anthony Herrera, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5, Costa Rican Teobaldo Fumero beat Toby St. Pierre, 3-11, 11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 11-0, and young American Dan Lavely got a victory over Tony Carson by forfeit.
In the 16s, Harmon will face fellow Florida resident Shane Vanderson, while Fumero takes on Ben Croft, and Lavely plays Jose Rojas in a battle of former US Junior Team players.
The perhaps the marquee Round of 16 match will be Jack Huczek versus Mike Green. They went to four games last October in San Diego. In that match, it looked like Green was going to be up 2-1 after game three only to have Huczek come back and win that 12-10 and then use the momentum to finish it in four.
The IRT Network will begin web-casting the Round of 16 matches from Tampa beginning at 10:30 AM EST on Friday.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Round 3
Q8: David Horn d. Ivan Villegas, 11-7, 11-4, 11-3
Q1: Charlie Pratt d. Joe Linnell, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5
Q4: Dan Lavely d. Tony Carson, fft
Q5: Mike Green d. Lee Connell, 11-3, 11-5, 11-3
Q6: Teobaldo Fumero d. Toby St. Pierre, 3-11, 11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 11-0
Q3: Alejandro Herrera d. James Slamko, 11-6, 11-6, 11-1
Q2: Mike Harmon d. Anthony Herrera, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5
Q7: Alex Ackermann d. Paul Orszulak, 11-1, 11-0, 11-4
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. David Horn
Andy Hawthorne v. Charlie Pratt
Jose Rojas v. Dan Lavely
Jack Huczek v. Mike Green
Ben Croft v. Teobaldo Fumero
Chris Crowther v. Alejandro Herrera
Shane Vanderson v. Mike Harmon
Rocky Carson v. Alex Ackermann
Round 2
David Horn d. Allan Crockett, 11-6, 10-12, 10-12, 11-6, 11-5
Ivan Villegas d. Francisco Gomez, fft
Charlie Pratt - BYE
Joe Linnell d. Geoff Goldblatt, 11-4, 8-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5
Tony Carson - BYE
Dan Lavely d. Dan Case, 11-5, 11-5, 11-3
Mike Green - BYE
Lee Connell d. Jose Daniel Alvarez, 11-8, 11-3, 11-6
Toby St. Pierre d. Sebastian Franco
Teobaldo Fumero d. Juan Rivas
Alejandro Herrera - BYE
James Slamko d. Brad Schopieray, 9-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4
Anthony Herrera - BYE
Mike Harmon d. Travis Aldinger, 11-4, 11-6, 8-11, 2-11, 11-6
Paul Orszulak d. John Scott, 11-7, 11-8, 12-10
Alex Ackermann d. Bruno Casalvolone, 11-6, 11-0, 11-3
Round 1
Allan Crockett d. Joshua Keil, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1
Ivan Villegas d. Raul Banegas, 11-0, 11-9, 10-12, 11-6
Geoff Goldblatt d. Dayan Yamin, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7
Joe Linnell d. Stacey Young, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4
Dan Case d. John Davies, 7-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9
Dan Lavely d. Fernando Sierra, 11-7, 11-0, 11-6
Lee Connell d. Michael Bernstein, 11-9, 11-3, 11-7
Jose Daniel Alvarez d. Vinny Carvallo, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8
Toby St. Pierre d. Jorge Nassar, 11-3, 11-6, 11-5
Teobaldo Fumero d. Ricardo Paez, 11-5, 11-3, 11-3
James Slamko d. Jeremy Best, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-3
Brad Schopieray d. Bobby Ferreiri, 6-11, 11-3, 12-10, 11-8
Travis Aldinger d. Scott Gargasz, 11-2, 11-4, 11-8
Mike Harmon d. Christian Wer, 9-11, 11-9, 11-0, 11-3
Paul Orszulak d. Wesley Miller, 9-11, 11-0, 11-6, 11-5
Bruno Casalvolone d. Mauro Barbosa, 11-9, 11-5, 11-0
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - Florida Spring Break First Results
The qualifying rounds for the Florida Spring Break Pro-Am tournament, part of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), have reached the final round and there are no real surprises yet. But there have been some close matches.
Specifically, there have been three five game matches in the second round of qualifying. In a battle of young Americans David Horn defeated Allan Crockett, 11-6, 10-12, 10-12, 11-6, 11-5. Horn will playoff with Ivan Villegas for a place in Friday's Round of 16 later on Thursday.
The other 5 gamers were won by Florida players, as Joe Linnell beat Geoff Goldblatt, 11-4, 8-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5, and Mike Harmon defeated Travis Aldinger, 11-4, 11-6, 8-11, 2-11, 11-6.
The IRT Network will begin web-casting Florida Spring Break matches beginning Friday at 11:30 AM EST with Round of 16 matches.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Round 1
Allan Crockett d. Joshua Keil, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1
Ivan Villegas d. Raul Banegas, 11-0, 11-9, 10-12, 11-6
Geoff Goldblatt d. Dayan Yamin, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7
Joe Linnell d. Stacey Young, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4
Dan Case d. John Davies, 7-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9
Dan Lavely d. Fernando Sierra, 11-7, 11-0, 11-6
Lee Connell d. Michael Bernstein, 11-9, 11-3, 11-7
Jose Daniel Alvarez d. Vinny Carvallo, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8
Toby St. Pierre d. Jorge Nassar, 11-3, 11-6, 11-5
Teobaldo Fumero d. Ricardo Paez, 11-5, 11-3, 11-3
James Slamko d. Jeremy Best, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-3
Brad Schopieray d. Bobby Ferreiri, 6-11, 11-3, 12-10, 11-8
Travis Aldinger d. Scott Gargasz, 11-2, 11-4, 11-8
Mike Harmon d. Christian Wer, 9-11, 11-9, 11-0, 11-3
Paul Orszulak d. Wesley Miller, 9-11, 11-0, 11-6, 11-5
Bruno Casalvolone d. Mauro Barbosa, 11-9, 11-5, 11-0
Round 2
David Horn d. Allan Crockett, 11-6, 10-12, 10-12, 11-6, 11-5
Ivan Villegas d. Francisco Gomez, fft
Charlie Pratt - BYE
Joe Linnell d. Geoff Goldblatt, 11-4, 8-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5
Tony Carson - BYE
Dan Lavely d. Dan Case, 11-5, 11-5, 11-3
Mike Green - BYE
Lee Connell d. Jose Daniel Alvarez, 11-8, 11-3, 11-6
Toby St. Pierre d. Sebastian Franco
Teobaldo Fumero d. Juan Rivas
Alejandro Herrera - BYE
James Slamko d. Brad Schopieray, 9-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4
Anthony Herrera - BYE
Mike Harmon d. Travis Aldinger, 11-4, 11-6, 8-11, 2-11, 11-6
John Scott v. Paul Orszulak
Alex Ackermann d. Bruno Casalvolone, 11-6, 11-0, 11-3
Round 3
Q8: David Horn v. Ivan Villegas
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Joe Linnell
Q4: Dan Lavely d. Tony Carson, fft
Q5: Mike Green v. Lee Connell
Q6: Toby St. Pierre v. Teobaldo Fumero
Q3: Alejandro Herrera v. James Slamko
Q2: Anthony Herrera v. Mike Harmon
Q7: John Scott or Paul Orszulak v. Alex Ackermann
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Andy Hawthorne v. Q1
Jose Rojas v. Dan Lavely
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Chris Crowther v. Q3
Shane Vanderson v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Specifically, there have been three five game matches in the second round of qualifying. In a battle of young Americans David Horn defeated Allan Crockett, 11-6, 10-12, 10-12, 11-6, 11-5. Horn will playoff with Ivan Villegas for a place in Friday's Round of 16 later on Thursday.
The other 5 gamers were won by Florida players, as Joe Linnell beat Geoff Goldblatt, 11-4, 8-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5, and Mike Harmon defeated Travis Aldinger, 11-4, 11-6, 8-11, 2-11, 11-6.
The IRT Network will begin web-casting Florida Spring Break matches beginning Friday at 11:30 AM EST with Round of 16 matches.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Round 1
Allan Crockett d. Joshua Keil, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1
Ivan Villegas d. Raul Banegas, 11-0, 11-9, 10-12, 11-6
Geoff Goldblatt d. Dayan Yamin, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7
Joe Linnell d. Stacey Young, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4
Dan Case d. John Davies, 7-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9
Dan Lavely d. Fernando Sierra, 11-7, 11-0, 11-6
Lee Connell d. Michael Bernstein, 11-9, 11-3, 11-7
Jose Daniel Alvarez d. Vinny Carvallo, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8
Toby St. Pierre d. Jorge Nassar, 11-3, 11-6, 11-5
Teobaldo Fumero d. Ricardo Paez, 11-5, 11-3, 11-3
James Slamko d. Jeremy Best, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-3
Brad Schopieray d. Bobby Ferreiri, 6-11, 11-3, 12-10, 11-8
Travis Aldinger d. Scott Gargasz, 11-2, 11-4, 11-8
Mike Harmon d. Christian Wer, 9-11, 11-9, 11-0, 11-3
Paul Orszulak d. Wesley Miller, 9-11, 11-0, 11-6, 11-5
Bruno Casalvolone d. Mauro Barbosa, 11-9, 11-5, 11-0
Round 2
David Horn d. Allan Crockett, 11-6, 10-12, 10-12, 11-6, 11-5
Ivan Villegas d. Francisco Gomez, fft
Charlie Pratt - BYE
Joe Linnell d. Geoff Goldblatt, 11-4, 8-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5
Tony Carson - BYE
Dan Lavely d. Dan Case, 11-5, 11-5, 11-3
Mike Green - BYE
Lee Connell d. Jose Daniel Alvarez, 11-8, 11-3, 11-6
Toby St. Pierre d. Sebastian Franco
Teobaldo Fumero d. Juan Rivas
Alejandro Herrera - BYE
James Slamko d. Brad Schopieray, 9-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4
Anthony Herrera - BYE
Mike Harmon d. Travis Aldinger, 11-4, 11-6, 8-11, 2-11, 11-6
John Scott v. Paul Orszulak
Alex Ackermann d. Bruno Casalvolone, 11-6, 11-0, 11-3
Round 3
Q8: David Horn v. Ivan Villegas
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Joe Linnell
Q4: Dan Lavely d. Tony Carson, fft
Q5: Mike Green v. Lee Connell
Q6: Toby St. Pierre v. Teobaldo Fumero
Q3: Alejandro Herrera v. James Slamko
Q2: Anthony Herrera v. Mike Harmon
Q7: John Scott or Paul Orszulak v. Alex Ackermann
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Andy Hawthorne v. Q1
Jose Rojas v. Dan Lavely
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Chris Crowther v. Q3
Shane Vanderson v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - Florida Spring Break Preview
The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is on the east coast this weekend for the Florida Spring Break tournament in Tampa. Some questions for the weekend: Will Kane Waselenchuk win another tournament? Will Rocky Carson pull off the big upset that he was so close to two weeks ago in San Diego? Will Ben Croft get back to his winning ways?
Waselenchuk hasn't lost on court since January 2009, so the first answer is probably yes. But Carson will be trying to make the second answer yes also, and deny Waselenchuk yet another victory.
Finally, Croft reached the semi-finals in the first four tournaments of the season, but only once in the last three, including a Round of 16 loss to Javier Moreno in San Diego. That's caused some of The Racquetball Blog staff to wonder if the IRT's self-proclaimed Iron Man has perhaps played too much this season.
For certain, there will be a lot of play for everyone over the next month, as the Florida Spring Break is the first of three IRT Tier 1 tournaments in a row and four in five weeks. The IRT will be in Salt Lake City next weekend, St Louis the weekend after that and then in Tijuana, Mexico April 7-10 for the Mexico Open.
This weekend the main qualifying player of note is Mike Green, the current Canadian champion, who recently regained the #1 rank in Canada. He reached the quarters in San Diego earlier in the season, when he lost in 4 games to Jack Huczek. If Green makes it through qualifying, he'll get a rematch with Huczek in the 16s.
The IRT Network will begin web-casting Florida Spring Break matches beginning Friday at 10:30 AM EST with Round of 16 matches.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Round 1
Joshua Keil v. Allan Crockett
Raul Banegas v. Ivan Villegas
Geoff Goldblatt v. Dayan Yamin
Stacey Young v. Joe Linnell
Dan Case v. John Davies
Dan Lavely v. Fernando Sierra
Lee Connell v. Michael Bernstein
Vinny Carvallo v. Jose Daniel Alvarez
Toby St. Pierre v. Jorge Nassar
Teobaldo Fumero v. Ricardo Paez
James Slamko v. Jeremy Best
Brad Schopieray v. Bobby Ferreiri
Travis Aldinger v. Scott Gargasz
Mike Harmon v. Christian Wer
Wesley Miller v. Paul Orszulak
Bruno Casalvolone v. Mauro Barbosa
Round 2
David Horn v. Joshua Keil v. Allan Crockett
Francisco Gomez v. Raul Banegas or Ivan Villegas
Charlie Pratt - BYE
Geoff Goldblatt or Dayan Yamin v. Stacey Young or Joe Linnell
Tony Carson - BYE
Dan Case or John Davies v. Dan Lavely or Fernando Sierra
Mike Green - BYE
Lee Connell or Michael Bernstein v. Vinny Carvallo or Jose Daniel Alvarez
Sebastian Franco v. Toby St. Pierre or Jorge Nassar
Juan Rivas v. Teobaldo Fumero or Ricardo Paez
Alejandro Herrera - BYE
James Slamko or Jeremy Best v. Brad Schopieray or Bobby Ferreiri
Anthony Herrera - BYE
Travis Aldinger or Scott Gargasz v. Mike Harmon or Christian Wer
John Scott v. Wesley Miller or Paul Orszulak
Alex Ackermann v. Bruno Casalvolone or Mauro Barbosa
Round 3
Q8: David Horn or Joshua Keil v. Allan Crockett v. Francisco Gomez or Raul Banegas or Ivan Villegas
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Geoff Goldblatt or Dayan Yamin or Stacey Young or Joe Linnell
Q4: Tony Carson v. Dan Case or John Davies or Dan Lavely or Fernando Sierra
Q5: Mike Green v. Lee Connell or Michael Bernstein or Vinny Carvallo or Jose Daniel Alvarez
Q6: Sebastian Franco or Toby St. Pierre or Jorge Nassar v. Juan Rivas or Teobaldo Fumero or Ricardo Paez
Q3: Alejandro Herrera v. James Slamko or Jeremy Best or Brad Schopieray or Bobby Ferreiri
Q2: Anthony Herrera v. Travis Aldinger or Scott Gargasz or Mike Harmon or Christian Wer
Q7: John Scott or Wesley Miller or Paul Orszulak v. Alex Ackermann or Bruno Casalvolone or Mauro Barbosa
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Andy Hawthorne v. Q1
Jose Rojas v. Q4
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Chris Crowther v. Q3
Shane Vanderson v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk hasn't lost on court since January 2009, so the first answer is probably yes. But Carson will be trying to make the second answer yes also, and deny Waselenchuk yet another victory.
Finally, Croft reached the semi-finals in the first four tournaments of the season, but only once in the last three, including a Round of 16 loss to Javier Moreno in San Diego. That's caused some of The Racquetball Blog staff to wonder if the IRT's self-proclaimed Iron Man has perhaps played too much this season.
For certain, there will be a lot of play for everyone over the next month, as the Florida Spring Break is the first of three IRT Tier 1 tournaments in a row and four in five weeks. The IRT will be in Salt Lake City next weekend, St Louis the weekend after that and then in Tijuana, Mexico April 7-10 for the Mexico Open.
This weekend the main qualifying player of note is Mike Green, the current Canadian champion, who recently regained the #1 rank in Canada. He reached the quarters in San Diego earlier in the season, when he lost in 4 games to Jack Huczek. If Green makes it through qualifying, he'll get a rematch with Huczek in the 16s.
The IRT Network will begin web-casting Florida Spring Break matches beginning Friday at 10:30 AM EST with Round of 16 matches.
2011 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am, Tampa, Florida
Round 1
Joshua Keil v. Allan Crockett
Raul Banegas v. Ivan Villegas
Geoff Goldblatt v. Dayan Yamin
Stacey Young v. Joe Linnell
Dan Case v. John Davies
Dan Lavely v. Fernando Sierra
Lee Connell v. Michael Bernstein
Vinny Carvallo v. Jose Daniel Alvarez
Toby St. Pierre v. Jorge Nassar
Teobaldo Fumero v. Ricardo Paez
James Slamko v. Jeremy Best
Brad Schopieray v. Bobby Ferreiri
Travis Aldinger v. Scott Gargasz
Mike Harmon v. Christian Wer
Wesley Miller v. Paul Orszulak
Bruno Casalvolone v. Mauro Barbosa
Round 2
David Horn v. Joshua Keil v. Allan Crockett
Francisco Gomez v. Raul Banegas or Ivan Villegas
Charlie Pratt - BYE
Geoff Goldblatt or Dayan Yamin v. Stacey Young or Joe Linnell
Tony Carson - BYE
Dan Case or John Davies v. Dan Lavely or Fernando Sierra
Mike Green - BYE
Lee Connell or Michael Bernstein v. Vinny Carvallo or Jose Daniel Alvarez
Sebastian Franco v. Toby St. Pierre or Jorge Nassar
Juan Rivas v. Teobaldo Fumero or Ricardo Paez
Alejandro Herrera - BYE
James Slamko or Jeremy Best v. Brad Schopieray or Bobby Ferreiri
Anthony Herrera - BYE
Travis Aldinger or Scott Gargasz v. Mike Harmon or Christian Wer
John Scott v. Wesley Miller or Paul Orszulak
Alex Ackermann v. Bruno Casalvolone or Mauro Barbosa
Round 3
Q8: David Horn or Joshua Keil v. Allan Crockett v. Francisco Gomez or Raul Banegas or Ivan Villegas
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Geoff Goldblatt or Dayan Yamin or Stacey Young or Joe Linnell
Q4: Tony Carson v. Dan Case or John Davies or Dan Lavely or Fernando Sierra
Q5: Mike Green v. Lee Connell or Michael Bernstein or Vinny Carvallo or Jose Daniel Alvarez
Q6: Sebastian Franco or Toby St. Pierre or Jorge Nassar v. Juan Rivas or Teobaldo Fumero or Ricardo Paez
Q3: Alejandro Herrera v. James Slamko or Jeremy Best or Brad Schopieray or Bobby Ferreiri
Q2: Anthony Herrera v. Travis Aldinger or Scott Gargasz or Mike Harmon or Christian Wer
Q7: John Scott or Wesley Miller or Paul Orszulak v. Alex Ackermann or Bruno Casalvolone or Mauro Barbosa
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Andy Hawthorne v. Q1
Jose Rojas v. Q4
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Chris Crowther v. Q3
Shane Vanderson v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
IRT Rankings - March 6, 2011
Kane Waslenchuk continues to be the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), which has released its latest rankings. The top five are unchanged with Rocky Carson #2, Ben Croft #3, Jack Huczek #4, and Chris Crowther #5.
Shane Vanderson, Andy Hawthorne and Jose Rojas round out the top 8, and it's the top 8 that get seeded into the Round of 16 at IRT main events, including this weekend's Florida Spring Break tournament in Tampa, Florida.
In the next 10 spots, there's been a flip flop of the Alejandros as Alejandro Herrera is now 14th ahead of Alejandro Landa in 15th. Also Javier Moreno has moved up to 16th.
IRT Rankings - March 6, 2011
Rank Player Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 4763
2 Rocky CARSON, 3638
3 Ben CROFT, 2989
4 Jack HUCZEK, 2820
5 Chris CROWTHER, 2479
6 Shane VANDERSON, 2284
7 Andy HAWTHORNE, 2070
8 Jose ROJAS, 2014
9 Mitch WILLIAMS, 1785
10 Alvaro BELTRAN, 1459
11 Charlie PRATT, 1448
12 Juan HERRERA, 1232
13 Anthony HERRERA, 1125
14 Alejandro HERRERA, 853
15 Alejandro LANDA, 806
16 Javier MORENO, 645
17 Jason MANNINO, 615
18 Cliff SWAIN, 512
19 Tony CARSON, 547
20 Andres HERRERA, 445
Follow the bouncing ball....
Shane Vanderson, Andy Hawthorne and Jose Rojas round out the top 8, and it's the top 8 that get seeded into the Round of 16 at IRT main events, including this weekend's Florida Spring Break tournament in Tampa, Florida.
In the next 10 spots, there's been a flip flop of the Alejandros as Alejandro Herrera is now 14th ahead of Alejandro Landa in 15th. Also Javier Moreno has moved up to 16th.
IRT Rankings - March 6, 2011
Rank Player Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 4763
2 Rocky CARSON, 3638
3 Ben CROFT, 2989
4 Jack HUCZEK, 2820
5 Chris CROWTHER, 2479
6 Shane VANDERSON, 2284
7 Andy HAWTHORNE, 2070
8 Jose ROJAS, 2014
9 Mitch WILLIAMS, 1785
10 Alvaro BELTRAN, 1459
11 Charlie PRATT, 1448
12 Juan HERRERA, 1232
13 Anthony HERRERA, 1125
14 Alejandro HERRERA, 853
15 Alejandro LANDA, 806
16 Javier MORENO, 645
17 Jason MANNINO, 615
18 Cliff SWAIN, 512
19 Tony CARSON, 547
20 Andres HERRERA, 445
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, March 7, 2011
Weekend Round Up
Clouse wins CPRT Penfield Pro-Am
Woody Clouse defeated Mike Ray on Sunday to win the Classic Pro Racquetball (CPRT) Penfield Pro-Am. Clouse won in three straight games, 9-3, 9-5, 9-1. Clouse didn't lose a game in any match giving up an average of less than 4 points per game.
Clouse defeated Mike Ceresia in the semi-finals, 9-5, 9-1, 9-8, while Ray took out top seed Cliff Swain, 9-8, 9-1, 9-2.
In the closest match of the tournament, Ceresia fought back from 2-1 down in games against former US Open CPRT champion Jimmy Lowe, winning in five games 3-9, 9-1, 7-9, 9-8, 9-7, in the quarter finals.
Diaz & Pimentelli win High School Championships
Jose Diaz of Franklin High School in Stockton, Calif. and Devon Pimentelli of Capuccino High, San Bruno, Calif. won the #1 Boy's and Girl's divisions, respectively, at the 2011 USA Racquetball High School Championships in St Louis, Missouri on the weekend.
The boy's division went mainly by the seedings as top seed Jose Diaz defeated 2nd seed Brad Schopieray from Swartz Creek High, Swartz Creek, Mich. in the Boy's final, 15-6, 15-7. In the semi-finals, Diaz defeated 4th seed Rick Charbonneau (Oregon City High, Oregon City, Ore.), 15-10, 12-15, 11-0, and Schopieray beat Sam Reid (Lincoln High, Portland, Ore.), in two straight games.
On the girl's side, Pimentelli, #1 seed, beat 3rd seed Lily Berry of Upper Arlington High, Columbus, Ohio, 15-5, 10-15, 11-8, in the final. Berry had upset 2nd seed Courtney Chisholm (Marlborough, Marlborough, Mass.), 15-10, 15-13, in the semi-finals, while Pimentelli beat Tanya Ulloa (Sprague, Salem, Ore.), 15-6, 15-5.
Two special shout outs from The Racquetball Blog: one to Lorenzo Crim of St Louis University High School, who as the 24th seed in the Boy's #6 division played 7 matches to win the division, which had 120 players. Crim beat fellow St Louis University High player Aaron Heisohn, 15-14, 15-9.
The other shout out goes to Ellen Castellano of Cor Jesu in Chesterfield, Missouri, the 6th seed in the Girl's #6 division, who won 6 matches to win that 95 player division. In the final, Castellano defeated Erin Kabance of Nerinx Hall, St Louis, 3-15, 15-5, 11-2.
Overall 364 player participated in this year's USA Racquetball High School Championships in St Louis.
Classic Pro Racquetball (CPRT) Penfield Pro-Am
Rochester, New York
Final
Woody Clouse d. Mike Ray, 9-3, 9-5, 9-1.
Semi-finals
Mike Ray d. Cliff Swain, 9-8, 9-1, 9-2
Woody Clouse d. Mike Ceresia, 9-5, 9-1, 9-8
Quarter finals
Cliff Swain d. Dave Spoleta, 5-9, 9-5, 9-8, 9-7
Mike Ray d. Ted Pittinaro, 9-4, 9-6, 6-9, 9-1
Mike Ceresia d. Jimmy Lowe, 3-9, 9-1, 7-9, 9-8, 9-7
Woody Clouse d. Tom Mastrodonato, 9-2, 9-6, 9-4
2011 USA Racquetball High School Championships
St Louis, Missouri
Boy's #1 Semi finals
Jose Diaz (Franklin High, Stockton, Calif.) d. Rick Charbonneau (Oregon City High, Oregon City, Ore.), 15-10, 12-15, 11-0
Brad Schopieray (Swartz Creek High, Swartz Creek, Mich.) d. Sam Reid (Lincoln High, Portland, Ore.), "o,5" [sic, as stated at source]
Boy's #1 Final
Jose Diaz d. Brad Schopieray, 15-6, 15-7
Boy's #1 Third place
Rick Charbonneau d. Sam Reid, 15-5, 15-7
Girl's #1 Semi finals
Devon Pimentelli (Capuccino High, San Bruno, Calif.) d. Tanya Ulloa (Sprague, Salem, Ore.), 15-6, 15-5
Lily Berry (Upper Arlington High, Columbus, Ohio) d. Courtney Chisholm (Marlborough, Marlborough, Mass.), 15-10, 15-13
Girl's #1 Final
Devon Pimentelli d. Lily Berry, 15-5, 10-15, 11-8
Girl's #1 Third place
Courtney Chisholm d. Tanya Ulloa, 15-3, 15-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Woody Clouse defeated Mike Ray on Sunday to win the Classic Pro Racquetball (CPRT) Penfield Pro-Am. Clouse won in three straight games, 9-3, 9-5, 9-1. Clouse didn't lose a game in any match giving up an average of less than 4 points per game.
Clouse defeated Mike Ceresia in the semi-finals, 9-5, 9-1, 9-8, while Ray took out top seed Cliff Swain, 9-8, 9-1, 9-2.
In the closest match of the tournament, Ceresia fought back from 2-1 down in games against former US Open CPRT champion Jimmy Lowe, winning in five games 3-9, 9-1, 7-9, 9-8, 9-7, in the quarter finals.
Diaz & Pimentelli win High School Championships
Jose Diaz of Franklin High School in Stockton, Calif. and Devon Pimentelli of Capuccino High, San Bruno, Calif. won the #1 Boy's and Girl's divisions, respectively, at the 2011 USA Racquetball High School Championships in St Louis, Missouri on the weekend.
The boy's division went mainly by the seedings as top seed Jose Diaz defeated 2nd seed Brad Schopieray from Swartz Creek High, Swartz Creek, Mich. in the Boy's final, 15-6, 15-7. In the semi-finals, Diaz defeated 4th seed Rick Charbonneau (Oregon City High, Oregon City, Ore.), 15-10, 12-15, 11-0, and Schopieray beat Sam Reid (Lincoln High, Portland, Ore.), in two straight games.
On the girl's side, Pimentelli, #1 seed, beat 3rd seed Lily Berry of Upper Arlington High, Columbus, Ohio, 15-5, 10-15, 11-8, in the final. Berry had upset 2nd seed Courtney Chisholm (Marlborough, Marlborough, Mass.), 15-10, 15-13, in the semi-finals, while Pimentelli beat Tanya Ulloa (Sprague, Salem, Ore.), 15-6, 15-5.
Two special shout outs from The Racquetball Blog: one to Lorenzo Crim of St Louis University High School, who as the 24th seed in the Boy's #6 division played 7 matches to win the division, which had 120 players. Crim beat fellow St Louis University High player Aaron Heisohn, 15-14, 15-9.
The other shout out goes to Ellen Castellano of Cor Jesu in Chesterfield, Missouri, the 6th seed in the Girl's #6 division, who won 6 matches to win that 95 player division. In the final, Castellano defeated Erin Kabance of Nerinx Hall, St Louis, 3-15, 15-5, 11-2.
Overall 364 player participated in this year's USA Racquetball High School Championships in St Louis.
Classic Pro Racquetball (CPRT) Penfield Pro-Am
Rochester, New York
Final
Woody Clouse d. Mike Ray, 9-3, 9-5, 9-1.
Semi-finals
Mike Ray d. Cliff Swain, 9-8, 9-1, 9-2
Woody Clouse d. Mike Ceresia, 9-5, 9-1, 9-8
Quarter finals
Cliff Swain d. Dave Spoleta, 5-9, 9-5, 9-8, 9-7
Mike Ray d. Ted Pittinaro, 9-4, 9-6, 6-9, 9-1
Mike Ceresia d. Jimmy Lowe, 3-9, 9-1, 7-9, 9-8, 9-7
Woody Clouse d. Tom Mastrodonato, 9-2, 9-6, 9-4
2011 USA Racquetball High School Championships
St Louis, Missouri
Boy's #1 Semi finals
Jose Diaz (Franklin High, Stockton, Calif.) d. Rick Charbonneau (Oregon City High, Oregon City, Ore.), 15-10, 12-15, 11-0
Brad Schopieray (Swartz Creek High, Swartz Creek, Mich.) d. Sam Reid (Lincoln High, Portland, Ore.), "o,5" [sic, as stated at source]
Boy's #1 Final
Jose Diaz d. Brad Schopieray, 15-6, 15-7
Boy's #1 Third place
Rick Charbonneau d. Sam Reid, 15-5, 15-7
Girl's #1 Semi finals
Devon Pimentelli (Capuccino High, San Bruno, Calif.) d. Tanya Ulloa (Sprague, Salem, Ore.), 15-6, 15-5
Lily Berry (Upper Arlington High, Columbus, Ohio) d. Courtney Chisholm (Marlborough, Marlborough, Mass.), 15-10, 15-13
Girl's #1 Final
Devon Pimentelli d. Lily Berry, 15-5, 10-15, 11-8
Girl's #1 Third place
Courtney Chisholm d. Tanya Ulloa, 15-3, 15-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
