Alexandra Herrera was a surprise winner of the Women's Open division at the California Regionals Tournament in Reseda, California on the weekend, as she was seeded 14th in the draw, and beat 4th seed Carla Muñoz, 15-10, 15-14, in the final.
To get to the final, Herrera first defeated 3rd seed Sheryl Lotts, 15-12, 15-7, then 6th seed Masiel Rivera, 15-8, 15-2, and in the semi-finals, 2nd seed Da'monique Davis, 15-12, 7-15, 11-2. An impressive run capped off by winning the final.
In the other semi, Muñoz had a walkover win against 1st seed Janel Tisinger.
The best match of the draw might have been in the Round of 16, when Tisinger played Maria Paz Muñoz, who was somehow the 16th ranked player in the draw - Paz Muñoz is the 14th ranked player on the LPRT. They went tie-breaker with Tisinger pulling out the win by the slimmest of margins, 5-15, 15-11, 11-10.
Coming Up
Both the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) and International Racquetball Tour (IRT) have a break in their schedules until late April and early May, respectively.
Thus, the attention is going to turn to Santa Cruz, Bolivia where the Pan American Championships will be held beginning on April 12 and running to April 19.
The US Team playing in Santa Cruz will be Rhonda Rajsich and Janel Tisinger on the women's side and Jose Rojas and David Horn on the men's side, and all players are going to play singles and doubles.
Team Canada will have a full eight players. Jennifer Saunders, Frédérique Lambert, Josée Grand'Maître and Michèle Morissette are the women's players with Vincent Gagnon, Tim Landeryou, Pedro Castro, and Coby Iwaasa the men's players. Word is that Gagnon and Iwaasa are going to play singles with Landeryou and Castro pairing up for doubles.
The tournament format will have initial matches within pools based on performances of countries at previous championships with the results of those matches being used to seed players into an elimination round draw that will determine the medal winners.
Play will begin April 12, and the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) and the IRT Network recently announced an agreement for live streaming. The 2014 Pan American Championships are the first event to be covered under that agreement, so the coverage of the matches from Santa Cruz should be excellent.
2014 California Regionals
Reseda, California
Final
Alexandra Herrera d. Carla Muñoz, 15-10, 15-14
Semi-final
Carla Muñoz d. Janel Tisinger, forfeit
Alexandra Herrera d. Da'monique Davis, 15-12, 7-15, 11-2
Quarter-finals
Janel Tisinger d. Erika Manilla, 15-5, 15-8
Da'monique Davis d. Mae Chin-varon, 15-11, 14-15, 11-1
Alexandra Herrera d. Masiel Rivera, 15-8, 15-2
Carla Muñoz d. Cheyenne Hayes, 15-14, 15-8
Round of 16
Janel Tisinger d. Maria Paz Muñoz, 5-15, 15-11, 11-10
Da'monique Davis d. Kristen Bellows, 15-3, 15-11
Alexandra Herrera d. Sheryl Lotts, 15-12, 15-7
Carla Muñoz d. Cecilia Orozco, 15-6, 15-2
Cheyenne Hayes d. Carolina Luquem, 5-14, 15-13
Masiel Rivera d. Maria Renee Rodriguez, 15-13, 15-3
Mae Chin-Varon d. Hailey Miller, 15-14, 15-14
Erika Manilla d. Kelly Gremley, 8-15, 15-10, 11-3
Follow the bouncing ball….
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Longoria wins LPRT California Regionals, defeating Rajsich in final
Paola Longoria - the #1 player on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) - extended her tournament winning streak on Sunday by winning the California Regionals Tournament in Reseda, California, where she defeated LPRT #2 Rhonda Rajsich in the final, 5-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9
Longoria's streak began in May 2011, and has reached 32 women's pro events, including 28 Tier 1 or Grand Slam events. It's safe to say this is the longest winning streak in women's pro racquetball, and it's not clear when it will end.
Longoria dropped the first game against Rajsich in the final, and that was the third time in the past four tournaments that she's lost game one of a match, including in the final of the Kansas event, when Maria Jose Vargas won game one of the final.
It's a small blemish on what is an impressive record, and that's all that can be mentioned critically of Longoria's current record.
She'll try to push the streak further at the next LPRT event, which is in four weeks, when the players will convene for the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas April 25-27.
2014 LPRT California Regionals
Reseda, California
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 5-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball….
Longoria's streak began in May 2011, and has reached 32 women's pro events, including 28 Tier 1 or Grand Slam events. It's safe to say this is the longest winning streak in women's pro racquetball, and it's not clear when it will end.
Longoria dropped the first game against Rajsich in the final, and that was the third time in the past four tournaments that she's lost game one of a match, including in the final of the Kansas event, when Maria Jose Vargas won game one of the final.
It's a small blemish on what is an impressive record, and that's all that can be mentioned critically of Longoria's current record.
She'll try to push the streak further at the next LPRT event, which is in four weeks, when the players will convene for the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas April 25-27.
2014 LPRT California Regionals
Reseda, California
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 5-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball….
LPRT 2014 California Regionals - Longoria & Rajsich advance to final
The seedings have played out as predicted, and it'll be one versus two in the final of the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) California Regionals Tournament in Reseda, California Sunday when #1 Paola Longoria tries to keep her winning streak going when she faces #2 Rhonda Rajsich.
Longoria defeated Samantha Salas Solis in the semi-finals, 11-3, 11-9, 11-3, on Saturday, as well as having a walkover win against Jacqueline Paraiso.
Rajsich had the tougher day on Saturday, as she needed to come back from 2-1 down against Frédérique Lambert and win in five games in the quarter-finals before facing 3rd seed Maria Jose Vargas, who Rajsich needed four games to defeat, 6-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-1.
The final will be broadcast live on the LPRT Network at noon PDT Sunday.
2014 LPRT California Regionals
Reseda, California
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria d. 25 Jacqueline Paraiso, forfeit
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 5 Cristina Amaya, 11-9, 11-1, 12-10
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 6 Susana Acosta, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 7 Frederique Lambert, 9-11, 11-5, 7-11, 12-10, 11-5
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas Solis, 11-3, 11-9, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 3 Maria Jose Vargas, 6-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-1
Final
1 Paola Longoria v. 2 Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball….
Longoria defeated Samantha Salas Solis in the semi-finals, 11-3, 11-9, 11-3, on Saturday, as well as having a walkover win against Jacqueline Paraiso.
Rajsich had the tougher day on Saturday, as she needed to come back from 2-1 down against Frédérique Lambert and win in five games in the quarter-finals before facing 3rd seed Maria Jose Vargas, who Rajsich needed four games to defeat, 6-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-1.
The final will be broadcast live on the LPRT Network at noon PDT Sunday.
2014 LPRT California Regionals
Reseda, California
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria d. 25 Jacqueline Paraiso, forfeit
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 5 Cristina Amaya, 11-9, 11-1, 12-10
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 6 Susana Acosta, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 7 Frederique Lambert, 9-11, 11-5, 7-11, 12-10, 11-5
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas Solis, 11-3, 11-9, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 3 Maria Jose Vargas, 6-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-1
Final
1 Paola Longoria v. 2 Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball….
Saturday, March 29, 2014
LPRT California Regionals - Round of 32 & 16
Seven of the top 8 seeds have reached the quarterfinals at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) California Regionals Tournament in Reseda, California, but the exception isn't too surprising as it's former #1 Jackie Paraiso who defeated 8th seed Da'monique Davis in the Round of 32 and then Cheryl Gudinas, another former #1 who was seeded 9th. Paraiso will face LPRT #1 Paola Longoria Saturday, as Longoria won both her first two matches in three straight games against Roxanna Rahling in the 32s and Hailey Miller in the 16s.
The only other upset in the first two round of play was Michelle Key's victory over Sofia Rascon in the 32s, as Key won 11-3, 11-2, 11-9.
But there were four matches that went the distance on Friday, including the Paraiso-Gudinas match, where Paraiso prevailed 11-5, 11-3, 9-11, 3-11, 11-5.
Sixth seed Susana Acosta was a game from being out of the tournament in round one, as Masiel Rivera won the first two games of their match, but the veteran left hander responded by winning the next three to take the match, 7-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-4.
Also, Aubrey Kirch needed five games to get by Janel Tisinger, 11-13, 11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 11-7, and Carla Muñoz came back from two games down to defeated Sheryl Lotts in five games, 7-11, 2-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-6.
Quarterfinal matches from Reseda can be viewed live via the LPRT Network from 9 AM PDT on Saturday morning with the semi-finals at 3 and 4 PM PDT.
2014 LPRT California Regionals
Reseda, California
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria d. 32 Roxanne Rehling, 11-2, 11-4, 11-0
16 Hailey Miller d. 17 Linda Scales, 11-4, 11-2, 11-2
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 24 Cecilia Orozco, 11-1, 11-8, 11-2
25 Jacqueline Paraiso d. 8 Da'monique Davis, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-6
5 Cristina Amaya d. 28 Kelly Gremley, 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-1
12 Adrienne Haynes d. 21 Carolina Luque, 11-5, -11, 11-3, 11-4
13 Maria Paz Munoz v. 20 Jessica Parrilla, fft
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 29 Cheyenne Hayes, 11-0, 11-4, 110
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 30 Erika Manilla, 11-0, 11-2, 11-2
19 Michelle Key d. 14 Sofia Rascon, 11-3, 11-2, 11-9
11 Aubrey Kirch d. 22 Janel Tisinger, 11-13, 11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 11-7
6 Susana Acosta d. 27 Masiel Rivera, 7-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-4
7 Frederique Lambert d. 26 Alexandra Herrera, 11-9, 11-6, 12-10
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 23 Maria Renee Rodriguez, 11-1, 11-5, 11-2
15 Carla Munoz d. 18 Sheryl Lotts, 7-11, 2-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-8
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 31 Kristen Bellows, 11-4, 11-2, 15-13
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 16 Hailey Miller, 11-1, 11-1, 11-5
25 Jacqueline Paraiso d. 9 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-3, 9-11, 3-11, 11-5
5 Cristina Amaya d. 12 Adrienne Haynes, 11-5, 11-2, 11-8
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Maria Paz Munoz, 12-10, 11-7, 11-8
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. Michelle Key, 11-3, 11-8, 13-11
6 Susana Acosta d. 11 Aubrey Kirch, 6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-8
7 Frederique Lambert d. 10 Veronica Sotomayor, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. Carla Muñoz, 11-2, 11-4, 11-3
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria v. 25 Jacqueline Paraiso
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 5 Cristina Amaya
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 6 Susana Acosta
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 7 Frederique Lambert
Follow the bouncing ball….
The only other upset in the first two round of play was Michelle Key's victory over Sofia Rascon in the 32s, as Key won 11-3, 11-2, 11-9.
But there were four matches that went the distance on Friday, including the Paraiso-Gudinas match, where Paraiso prevailed 11-5, 11-3, 9-11, 3-11, 11-5.
Sixth seed Susana Acosta was a game from being out of the tournament in round one, as Masiel Rivera won the first two games of their match, but the veteran left hander responded by winning the next three to take the match, 7-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-4.
Also, Aubrey Kirch needed five games to get by Janel Tisinger, 11-13, 11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 11-7, and Carla Muñoz came back from two games down to defeated Sheryl Lotts in five games, 7-11, 2-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-6.
Quarterfinal matches from Reseda can be viewed live via the LPRT Network from 9 AM PDT on Saturday morning with the semi-finals at 3 and 4 PM PDT.
2014 LPRT California Regionals
Reseda, California
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria d. 32 Roxanne Rehling, 11-2, 11-4, 11-0
16 Hailey Miller d. 17 Linda Scales, 11-4, 11-2, 11-2
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 24 Cecilia Orozco, 11-1, 11-8, 11-2
25 Jacqueline Paraiso d. 8 Da'monique Davis, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-6
5 Cristina Amaya d. 28 Kelly Gremley, 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-1
12 Adrienne Haynes d. 21 Carolina Luque, 11-5, -11, 11-3, 11-4
13 Maria Paz Munoz v. 20 Jessica Parrilla, fft
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 29 Cheyenne Hayes, 11-0, 11-4, 110
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 30 Erika Manilla, 11-0, 11-2, 11-2
19 Michelle Key d. 14 Sofia Rascon, 11-3, 11-2, 11-9
11 Aubrey Kirch d. 22 Janel Tisinger, 11-13, 11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 11-7
6 Susana Acosta d. 27 Masiel Rivera, 7-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-4
7 Frederique Lambert d. 26 Alexandra Herrera, 11-9, 11-6, 12-10
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 23 Maria Renee Rodriguez, 11-1, 11-5, 11-2
15 Carla Munoz d. 18 Sheryl Lotts, 7-11, 2-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-8
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 31 Kristen Bellows, 11-4, 11-2, 15-13
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 16 Hailey Miller, 11-1, 11-1, 11-5
25 Jacqueline Paraiso d. 9 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-3, 9-11, 3-11, 11-5
5 Cristina Amaya d. 12 Adrienne Haynes, 11-5, 11-2, 11-8
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Maria Paz Munoz, 12-10, 11-7, 11-8
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. Michelle Key, 11-3, 11-8, 13-11
6 Susana Acosta d. 11 Aubrey Kirch, 6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-8
7 Frederique Lambert d. 10 Veronica Sotomayor, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. Carla Muñoz, 11-2, 11-4, 11-3
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria v. 25 Jacqueline Paraiso
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 5 Cristina Amaya
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 6 Susana Acosta
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 7 Frederique Lambert
Follow the bouncing ball….
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
LPRT 2014 California Regionals Preview
The Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) has released the draw for this weekend's LPRT California Regionals Tournament, and it's a complete draw of 32 players. Paola Longoria will once again try to extend her tournament winning streak, and she'll need to play five matches to do it.
There are interesting matches right off the hop with 8th seed Da'monique Davis up against former #1 Jacqueline Paraiso, 13th seed Maria Paz Muñoz against US National Doubles Champion Janel Tisinger, 15th seed Carla Muñoz versus 18th seed Jessica Parrilla, and 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich facing former top 4 player Kristen Bellows.
Longoria's winning streak
Longoria's winning streak began in May 2011 at the Ektelon World Championships in New Orleans. Since then, Longoria has won every singles pro event she's entered. That's 29 Tier 1 or Grand Slam events and 2 satellite events, or 31 titles in a row.
Since May 2011, there have been three times someone other Longoria has won a women's pro event. In August 2011, Rajsich won the Texas Open; Longoria didn't play that event.
Tisinger won the 3 Wall Ball World Championships in Las Vegas in Septemeber of last year, which happened simultaneously with the Albierto Mexxicano de Racquetas event in Toluda, Mexico, so Longoria wasn't in Las Vegas.
Finally, the Paola Longoria Invitational tournament in Monterrey last December had a doubles event that Rajsich and Maria Jose Vargas won, as they defeated Longoria and Samantha Salas in the final.
Nevertheless, there have been few period of sporting excellence as great as Longoria's. Former racquetball great Heather McKay was a champion in squash prior to playing racquetball, and McKay's squash record was amazing, as she lost only twice over a period of 20 years.
Longoria has a ways to go before getting to that point, but at only 24 time is on her side.
Matches from Reseda can be viewed live via the LPRT Network with a tentatively beginning with the Round of 16 at 4 PM PDT on Friday. Certainly, the Quarterfinals will be broadcast from 9 AM PDT on Saturday.
2014 LPRT California Regionals
Reseda, California
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria v. 32 Roxanne Rehling
16 Hailey Miller v. 17 Linda Scales
9 Cheryl Gudinas v. 24 Cecilia Orozco
8 Da'monique Davis v. 25 Jacqueline Paraiso
5 Cristina Amaya v. 28 Kelly Gremley
12 Adrienne Haynes v. 21 Sheryl Lotts
13 Maria Paz Munoz v. 20 Janel Tisinger
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 29 Cheyenne Hayes
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 30 Erika Manilla
14 Sofia Rascon v. 19 Carolina Luque
11 Aubrey Kirch v. 22 Michelle Key
6 Susana Acosta v. 27 Masiel Rivera
7 Frederique Lambert v. 26 Alexandra Herrera
10 Veronica Sotomayor v. 23 Maria Renee Rodriguez
15 Carla Munoz v. 18 Jessica Parrilla
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 31 Kristen Bellows
Follow the bouncing ball….
There are interesting matches right off the hop with 8th seed Da'monique Davis up against former #1 Jacqueline Paraiso, 13th seed Maria Paz Muñoz against US National Doubles Champion Janel Tisinger, 15th seed Carla Muñoz versus 18th seed Jessica Parrilla, and 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich facing former top 4 player Kristen Bellows.
Longoria's winning streak
Longoria's winning streak began in May 2011 at the Ektelon World Championships in New Orleans. Since then, Longoria has won every singles pro event she's entered. That's 29 Tier 1 or Grand Slam events and 2 satellite events, or 31 titles in a row.
Since May 2011, there have been three times someone other Longoria has won a women's pro event. In August 2011, Rajsich won the Texas Open; Longoria didn't play that event.
Tisinger won the 3 Wall Ball World Championships in Las Vegas in Septemeber of last year, which happened simultaneously with the Albierto Mexxicano de Racquetas event in Toluda, Mexico, so Longoria wasn't in Las Vegas.
Finally, the Paola Longoria Invitational tournament in Monterrey last December had a doubles event that Rajsich and Maria Jose Vargas won, as they defeated Longoria and Samantha Salas in the final.
Nevertheless, there have been few period of sporting excellence as great as Longoria's. Former racquetball great Heather McKay was a champion in squash prior to playing racquetball, and McKay's squash record was amazing, as she lost only twice over a period of 20 years.
Longoria has a ways to go before getting to that point, but at only 24 time is on her side.
Matches from Reseda can be viewed live via the LPRT Network with a tentatively beginning with the Round of 16 at 4 PM PDT on Friday. Certainly, the Quarterfinals will be broadcast from 9 AM PDT on Saturday.
2014 LPRT California Regionals
Reseda, California
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria v. 32 Roxanne Rehling
16 Hailey Miller v. 17 Linda Scales
9 Cheryl Gudinas v. 24 Cecilia Orozco
8 Da'monique Davis v. 25 Jacqueline Paraiso
5 Cristina Amaya v. 28 Kelly Gremley
12 Adrienne Haynes v. 21 Sheryl Lotts
13 Maria Paz Munoz v. 20 Janel Tisinger
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 29 Cheyenne Hayes
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 30 Erika Manilla
14 Sofia Rascon v. 19 Carolina Luque
11 Aubrey Kirch v. 22 Michelle Key
6 Susana Acosta v. 27 Masiel Rivera
7 Frederique Lambert v. 26 Alexandra Herrera
10 Veronica Sotomayor v. 23 Maria Renee Rodriguez
15 Carla Munoz v. 18 Jessica Parrilla
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 31 Kristen Bellows
Follow the bouncing ball….
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
LPRT Rankings - March 23, 2014
Only two changes in the entire top 20 rankings on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT), but they are not in the top 5. Paola Longoria - undefeated since May 2011 - remains top followed by Rhonda Rajsich at #2, Maria Jose Vargas #3, Samantha Salas Solis #4 and Cristina Amaya #5.
But veteran left-hander Susana Acosta has moved into 6th ahead of Frédérique Lambert, as Lambert was upset in the first round of last weekend's LPRT tournament in Miami by 15 year old Jordan Cooperrider. Lambert is 7th.
Da'monique Davis and Cheryl Gudinas are 8th and 9th, respectively, but in the season to date point standings are 10th and 11th. Davis is trying to finish in the top 10 for the first time in her career while Gudinas is looking to extend her streak of top 10 finishes that dates back to the 1993-94 season.
The other change in the top 20 is Maria Paz Muñoz moving into 14th ahead of Sofia Rascon, who's 15th.
All of those players are in action again this weekend at the LPRT Southern California Regional Championships in Reseda, California, where there will be a full draw of 32 players.
LPRT Rankings - March 23, 2014
Rank - Name - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 2780.00
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1369.00
3 Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) 1050.50
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 876.50
5 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 724.00
6 Susana Acosta (Mexico) 589.50
7 Frédérique Lambert (Canada) 581.50
8 Da'monique Davis (USA) 469.75
9 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 458.00
10 Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) 418.00
11 Aubrey Kirch (USA) 395.50
12 Adrienne Haynes (USA) 358.00
13 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 291.25
14 Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) 289.50
16 Sofia Rascon (Mexico) 269.75
16 Carla Muñoz (Chile) 232.50
17 Hailey Miller (USA) 227.75
18 Sharon Jackson (USA) 221.50
19 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 221.75
20 Linda Scales (USA) 204.75
Follow the bouncing ball....
But veteran left-hander Susana Acosta has moved into 6th ahead of Frédérique Lambert, as Lambert was upset in the first round of last weekend's LPRT tournament in Miami by 15 year old Jordan Cooperrider. Lambert is 7th.
Da'monique Davis and Cheryl Gudinas are 8th and 9th, respectively, but in the season to date point standings are 10th and 11th. Davis is trying to finish in the top 10 for the first time in her career while Gudinas is looking to extend her streak of top 10 finishes that dates back to the 1993-94 season.
The other change in the top 20 is Maria Paz Muñoz moving into 14th ahead of Sofia Rascon, who's 15th.
All of those players are in action again this weekend at the LPRT Southern California Regional Championships in Reseda, California, where there will be a full draw of 32 players.
LPRT Rankings - March 23, 2014
Rank - Name - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 2780.00
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1369.00
3 Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) 1050.50
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 876.50
5 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 724.00
6 Susana Acosta (Mexico) 589.50
7 Frédérique Lambert (Canada) 581.50
8 Da'monique Davis (USA) 469.75
9 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 458.00
10 Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) 418.00
11 Aubrey Kirch (USA) 395.50
12 Adrienne Haynes (USA) 358.00
13 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 291.25
14 Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) 289.50
16 Sofia Rascon (Mexico) 269.75
16 Carla Muñoz (Chile) 232.50
17 Hailey Miller (USA) 227.75
18 Sharon Jackson (USA) 221.50
19 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 221.75
20 Linda Scales (USA) 204.75
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, March 24, 2014
Weekend Round Up - Wins for Muñoz, Green & Franco
Maria Paz Muñoz won the Women's Open division at the Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am in Miami, Florida, where only one of the top four seeds got to the semi-finals. Muñoz, the 8th seed, defeated 7th seed Jessica Parrilla in the final, 15-13, 15-11.
In the semi-finals, Muñoz beat Masiel Rivera, who was seeded 5th, 15-10, 8-15, 11-4, and Parrilla survived match point against 3rd seed Sharon Jackson by winning in a tie-breaker, 14-15, 15-14, 11-2.
In the quarter finals, Muñoz defeated the top seed Susana Acosta, 15-10, 9-15, 11-8, while Parrilla ousted 2nd seed Da'monique Davis, 15-10, 12-15, 11-8.
In Miami, there was also a large Mixed Open Doubles division with Paola Longoria and her brother Christian coming out on top, as they defeated Cristina Amaya and Sebastian Franco in the final, 15-10, 15-3.
The Longorias beat Jackson and Andres Ramirez in the semi-finals, 15-8, 15-2, while Amaya and Franco defeated Davis and Mike Harmon, 12-15, 15-12, 11-9.
Franco defeated Harmon to take the Men's Open title, 15-10, 15-12.
IRT
Mike Green won the 6th Annual Raising Some Racquet for Kids tournament - a Tier 4 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event, as he defeated Andy Hawthorne in the final, 12-10, 11-1, 11-9.
Green beat Mauricio Zelada in the semi-finals, 11-5, 8-11, 11-2, 11-13, 11-6, while Hawthorne defeated Danny Lavely, 11-4, 11-3, 11-2.
Hawthorne did win Men's Open Doubles, as he and Mike Dennison defeated Zelada and Joe Kelley, 11-15, 15-13, 11-9, in the final. They beat Thomas Carter and Manolo Sandoval, 13-15, 15-2, 11-9, in one semi-final while Zelada and Kelley defeated Lavely and Chad McGuffey in the other, 15-9, 15-11.
LPRT
This weekend the Ladies Pro Racquetball Tour (LPRT) will be back in action with the LPRT's Southern California Regional Championship in Reseda, California, and as in Miami this past weekend, there's a large draw on tap with 32 players registered including all the top 10 as well as Kristen Bellows, Jackie Paraiso and Janel Tisinger.
Great Balls of Fire - Miami, Florida
Women's Open Final
Maria Paz Muñoz d. Jessica Parrilla, 15-13, 15-11
Semi-finals
Maria Paz Muñoz d. Masiel Rivera, 15-10, 8-15, 11-4
Jessica Parrilla d. Sharon Jackson, 14-15, 15-14, 11-2
Quarter-finals
Maria Paz Muñoz d. Susana Acosta, 15-10, 9-15, 11-8
Masiel Rivera d. Sheryl Lotts, 15-7, 15-8
Sharon Jackson d. Jordan Cooperrider, 15-5, 15-5
Jessica Parrilla d. Da'monique Davis, 15-10, 12-15, 11-8
Mixed Open Doubles Final
Paola Longoria & Christian Longoria d. Cristina Amaya & Sebastian Franco, 15-10, 15-3
Mixed Open Doubles Semi-finals
Paola Longoria & Christian Longoria d. Sharon Jackson & Andres Ramirez, 15-8, 15-2
Cristina Amaya & Sebastian Franco d. Da'monique Davis & Mike Harmon, 12-15, 15-12, 11-9
Men's Open Final
Sebastian Franco d. Mike Harmon, 15-10, 15-12
Men's Open Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco d. Vinny Carvallo, 15-1, 15-7
Mike Harmon d. Juan Torres, 15-12, 10-15, 11-5
IRT 6th Annual Raising Some Racquet for Kids - Cincinnati, Ohio
Men's Final
Mike Green d. Andy Hawthorne in the final, 12-10, 11-1, 11-9
Men's Semi-finals
Mike Green d. Mauricio Zelada, 11-5, 8-11, 11-2, 11-13, 11-6
Andy Hawthorne d. Danny Lavely, 11-4, 11-3, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the semi-finals, Muñoz beat Masiel Rivera, who was seeded 5th, 15-10, 8-15, 11-4, and Parrilla survived match point against 3rd seed Sharon Jackson by winning in a tie-breaker, 14-15, 15-14, 11-2.
In the quarter finals, Muñoz defeated the top seed Susana Acosta, 15-10, 9-15, 11-8, while Parrilla ousted 2nd seed Da'monique Davis, 15-10, 12-15, 11-8.
In Miami, there was also a large Mixed Open Doubles division with Paola Longoria and her brother Christian coming out on top, as they defeated Cristina Amaya and Sebastian Franco in the final, 15-10, 15-3.
The Longorias beat Jackson and Andres Ramirez in the semi-finals, 15-8, 15-2, while Amaya and Franco defeated Davis and Mike Harmon, 12-15, 15-12, 11-9.
Franco defeated Harmon to take the Men's Open title, 15-10, 15-12.
IRT
Mike Green won the 6th Annual Raising Some Racquet for Kids tournament - a Tier 4 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event, as he defeated Andy Hawthorne in the final, 12-10, 11-1, 11-9.
Green beat Mauricio Zelada in the semi-finals, 11-5, 8-11, 11-2, 11-13, 11-6, while Hawthorne defeated Danny Lavely, 11-4, 11-3, 11-2.
Hawthorne did win Men's Open Doubles, as he and Mike Dennison defeated Zelada and Joe Kelley, 11-15, 15-13, 11-9, in the final. They beat Thomas Carter and Manolo Sandoval, 13-15, 15-2, 11-9, in one semi-final while Zelada and Kelley defeated Lavely and Chad McGuffey in the other, 15-9, 15-11.
LPRT
This weekend the Ladies Pro Racquetball Tour (LPRT) will be back in action with the LPRT's Southern California Regional Championship in Reseda, California, and as in Miami this past weekend, there's a large draw on tap with 32 players registered including all the top 10 as well as Kristen Bellows, Jackie Paraiso and Janel Tisinger.
Great Balls of Fire - Miami, Florida
Women's Open Final
Maria Paz Muñoz d. Jessica Parrilla, 15-13, 15-11
Semi-finals
Maria Paz Muñoz d. Masiel Rivera, 15-10, 8-15, 11-4
Jessica Parrilla d. Sharon Jackson, 14-15, 15-14, 11-2
Quarter-finals
Maria Paz Muñoz d. Susana Acosta, 15-10, 9-15, 11-8
Masiel Rivera d. Sheryl Lotts, 15-7, 15-8
Sharon Jackson d. Jordan Cooperrider, 15-5, 15-5
Jessica Parrilla d. Da'monique Davis, 15-10, 12-15, 11-8
Mixed Open Doubles Final
Paola Longoria & Christian Longoria d. Cristina Amaya & Sebastian Franco, 15-10, 15-3
Mixed Open Doubles Semi-finals
Paola Longoria & Christian Longoria d. Sharon Jackson & Andres Ramirez, 15-8, 15-2
Cristina Amaya & Sebastian Franco d. Da'monique Davis & Mike Harmon, 12-15, 15-12, 11-9
Men's Open Final
Sebastian Franco d. Mike Harmon, 15-10, 15-12
Men's Open Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco d. Vinny Carvallo, 15-1, 15-7
Mike Harmon d. Juan Torres, 15-12, 10-15, 11-5
IRT 6th Annual Raising Some Racquet for Kids - Cincinnati, Ohio
Men's Final
Mike Green d. Andy Hawthorne in the final, 12-10, 11-1, 11-9
Men's Semi-finals
Mike Green d. Mauricio Zelada, 11-5, 8-11, 11-2, 11-13, 11-6
Andy Hawthorne d. Danny Lavely, 11-4, 11-3, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Longoria wins LPRT Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am
Paola Longoria put on a dominating performance to win another Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) tournament, as she beat Maria Jose Vargas, 11-2, 11-1, 11-3, in the final of the Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am in Miami, Florida. Longoria's won all 9 LPRT events this season and every one she's entered since May 2011.
How dominant was Longoria? There were 61 total rallies in the match: 21 in game one, 20 in game two, 20 in game three. Longoria served 15, 14, and 14 times in the games one to three, respectively. Five of Longoria's serves were aces. Vargas only served six times in each game and 18 times total.
Longoria most often hit drive serves, although in the second half of game one she hit off speed Z serves to the left, which was a serve she used to great effect in the New Jersey Open final against Frédérique Lambert. It was equally effective against Vargas.
Longoria also dominated centre court, and hit a few forehand reverse pinch shot winners to the front left corner.
The next LPRT event is next weekend in Reseda, California as the women will be playing in the Southern California Regional Championship. There are 30 players in that event with all the top 10 as well as Kristen Bellows, Jackie Paraiso and Janel Tisinger.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 3 Maria Jose Vargas, 11-2, 11-1, 11-3
Follow the bouncing ball....
How dominant was Longoria? There were 61 total rallies in the match: 21 in game one, 20 in game two, 20 in game three. Longoria served 15, 14, and 14 times in the games one to three, respectively. Five of Longoria's serves were aces. Vargas only served six times in each game and 18 times total.
Longoria most often hit drive serves, although in the second half of game one she hit off speed Z serves to the left, which was a serve she used to great effect in the New Jersey Open final against Frédérique Lambert. It was equally effective against Vargas.
Longoria also dominated centre court, and hit a few forehand reverse pinch shot winners to the front left corner.
The next LPRT event is next weekend in Reseda, California as the women will be playing in the Southern California Regional Championship. There are 30 players in that event with all the top 10 as well as Kristen Bellows, Jackie Paraiso and Janel Tisinger.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 3 Maria Jose Vargas, 11-2, 11-1, 11-3
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, March 22, 2014
LPRT 2014 Great Balls of Fire - Longoria & Vargas advance to final
Paola Longoria - the #1 player on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) - will have a chance to continue her tournament winning streak that dates back to May 2011, as she defeated Samantha Salas Solia in the semi-finals of the Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am in Miami, Florida, 11-1, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2.
Third seed Maria Jose Vargas will try to end Longoria's streak Sunday, as she beat 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich in the other semi, 11-9, 11-9, 11-4.
Longoria started strong Saturday with her typical drive serving and sharp shooting style. She was helped by loose shots in game one from Salas Solis, whose shots often came into the middle rather than deep to the back corners.
In game two, they were back and forth until an 8-8 tie after which Salas Solis closed out the game to level the match at one game each.
Salas Solis carried some of that momentum over into game three, as she took a 4-2 lead. However, Longoria called a timeout, won the serve back, tied the game and held her opponent to only one more point, as she went on to win it 11-5.
Longoria again dominated play game four, as she closed out the match.
Sunday's final will be the fifth meeting between Longoria and Vargas. The first three were straight game victories for Longoria in semi-finals, but in the last meeting Vargas took a game off Longoria in the final of the Winter Classic in Overland Park, Kansas, where Vargas won the first game before Longoria won in four.
Vargas will be looking to do better Sunday while Longoria seeks to extend her winning streak.
The 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am final will be live on the LPRT Network beginning at noon EDT Sunday.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas, 11-1, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-9, 11-9, 11-4
Final
1 Paola Longoria v. 3 Maria Jose Vargas - Noon EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Third seed Maria Jose Vargas will try to end Longoria's streak Sunday, as she beat 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich in the other semi, 11-9, 11-9, 11-4.
Longoria started strong Saturday with her typical drive serving and sharp shooting style. She was helped by loose shots in game one from Salas Solis, whose shots often came into the middle rather than deep to the back corners.
In game two, they were back and forth until an 8-8 tie after which Salas Solis closed out the game to level the match at one game each.
Salas Solis carried some of that momentum over into game three, as she took a 4-2 lead. However, Longoria called a timeout, won the serve back, tied the game and held her opponent to only one more point, as she went on to win it 11-5.
Longoria again dominated play game four, as she closed out the match.
Sunday's final will be the fifth meeting between Longoria and Vargas. The first three were straight game victories for Longoria in semi-finals, but in the last meeting Vargas took a game off Longoria in the final of the Winter Classic in Overland Park, Kansas, where Vargas won the first game before Longoria won in four.
Vargas will be looking to do better Sunday while Longoria seeks to extend her winning streak.
The 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am final will be live on the LPRT Network beginning at noon EDT Sunday.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas, 11-1, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-9, 11-9, 11-4
Final
1 Paola Longoria v. 3 Maria Jose Vargas - Noon EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
LPRT 2014 Great Balls of Fire Quarter-finals
The top four seeds are through to the semi-finals at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am in Miami, Florida, and the wins were relatively comfortable for all.
LPRT #1 Paola Longoria beat 9th seed Cheryl Gudinas in three straight, 11-2, 11-4, 11-1, and will play fellow Mexican Samantha Salas Solis in the semi-finals as Salas Solis was a straight game winner against Cristina Amaya, 11-6, 11-8, 11-1.
Second seed Rhonda Rajsich beat 10th seed Veronica Sotomayor in four competitive games, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-4. Rajsich will play 3rd seed Maria Jose Vargas in the semis, as Vargas defeated Aubrey Kirch, 11-3, 7-11, 11-1, 11-4.
The semi-finals of the 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am will be live on the LPRT Network beginning at 5 & 6 PM EDT on Saturday.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-2, 11-4, 11-1
4 Samantha Salas d. 5 Cristina Amaya, 11-6, 11-8, 11-1
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 11 Aubrey Kirch, 11-3, 7-11, 11-1, 11-4
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 10 Veronica Sotomayor, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-4
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas - 6 PM
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 3 Maria Jose Vargas - 5 PM
Follow the bouncing ball....
LPRT #1 Paola Longoria beat 9th seed Cheryl Gudinas in three straight, 11-2, 11-4, 11-1, and will play fellow Mexican Samantha Salas Solis in the semi-finals as Salas Solis was a straight game winner against Cristina Amaya, 11-6, 11-8, 11-1.
Second seed Rhonda Rajsich beat 10th seed Veronica Sotomayor in four competitive games, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-4. Rajsich will play 3rd seed Maria Jose Vargas in the semis, as Vargas defeated Aubrey Kirch, 11-3, 7-11, 11-1, 11-4.
The semi-finals of the 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am will be live on the LPRT Network beginning at 5 & 6 PM EDT on Saturday.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-2, 11-4, 11-1
4 Samantha Salas d. 5 Cristina Amaya, 11-6, 11-8, 11-1
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 11 Aubrey Kirch, 11-3, 7-11, 11-1, 11-4
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 10 Veronica Sotomayor, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-4
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas - 6 PM
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 3 Maria Jose Vargas - 5 PM
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, March 21, 2014
LPRT 2014 Great Balls of Fire Round of 16
There were two upsets in the Round of 16 at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am in Miami, Florida, but they were not big upsets as they happened in the 8/9 and 7/10 matches.
Tenth seed Veronica Sotomayor defeated 7th seed Susana Acosta, 9-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-8, and 9th seed Cheryl Gudinas beat 8th seed Da'monique Davis, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9.
Jordan Cooperrider, the big upset winner in the Round of 32, lost in the 16s to fellow American Aubrey Kirch, 11-3, 11-5, 11-7. Kirch will face 3rd seed Maria Jose Vargas in the quarterfinals, as Vargas beat Jessica Parrilla, 6-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-5, in the 16s.
Both top seeds won their matches, but neither did so in straight games. Number one seed Paola Longoria defeated Sheryl Lotts, 11-0, 11-0, 9-11, 11-5, and 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich beat Michelle Key, 11-2, 11-8, 2-11, 11-8.
In the quarters, Longoria will play Gudinas and Rajsich is up against Sotomayor.
Live coverage of the 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am quarter-finals will be on the LPRT Network beginning at 11 AM EDT on Saturday morning.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 17 Sheryl Lotts, 11-0, 11-0, 9-11, 11-5
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 8 Da'monique Davis, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9
5 Cristina Amaya d. 12 Adrienne Haynes, 9-11, 11-5, 4-11, 11-9, 11-8
4 Samantha Salas d. 13 Maria Paz Muñoz, 11-3, 11-1, 11-6
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 19 Jessica Parilla, 6-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-5
11 Aubrey Kirch d. 27 Jordan Cooperrider, 11-3, 11-5, 11-7
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 7 Susana Acosta, 9-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-6
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 18 Michelle Key, 11-2, 11-8, 2-11, 11-8
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Cheryl Gudinas
4 Samantha Salas v. 5 Cristina Amaya
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 11 Aubrey Kirch
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 10 Veronica Sotomayor
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tenth seed Veronica Sotomayor defeated 7th seed Susana Acosta, 9-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-8, and 9th seed Cheryl Gudinas beat 8th seed Da'monique Davis, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9.
Jordan Cooperrider, the big upset winner in the Round of 32, lost in the 16s to fellow American Aubrey Kirch, 11-3, 11-5, 11-7. Kirch will face 3rd seed Maria Jose Vargas in the quarterfinals, as Vargas beat Jessica Parrilla, 6-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-5, in the 16s.
Both top seeds won their matches, but neither did so in straight games. Number one seed Paola Longoria defeated Sheryl Lotts, 11-0, 11-0, 9-11, 11-5, and 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich beat Michelle Key, 11-2, 11-8, 2-11, 11-8.
In the quarters, Longoria will play Gudinas and Rajsich is up against Sotomayor.
Live coverage of the 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am quarter-finals will be on the LPRT Network beginning at 11 AM EDT on Saturday morning.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 17 Sheryl Lotts, 11-0, 11-0, 9-11, 11-5
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 8 Da'monique Davis, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9
5 Cristina Amaya d. 12 Adrienne Haynes, 9-11, 11-5, 4-11, 11-9, 11-8
4 Samantha Salas d. 13 Maria Paz Muñoz, 11-3, 11-1, 11-6
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 19 Jessica Parilla, 6-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-5
11 Aubrey Kirch d. 27 Jordan Cooperrider, 11-3, 11-5, 11-7
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 7 Susana Acosta, 9-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-6
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 18 Michelle Key, 11-2, 11-8, 2-11, 11-8
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Cheryl Gudinas
4 Samantha Salas v. 5 Cristina Amaya
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 11 Aubrey Kirch
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 10 Veronica Sotomayor
Follow the bouncing ball....
LPRT Great Balls of Fire - Round of 32 - Lambert loses to Cooperrider
Frédérique Lambert again made waves on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT), but this wasn't in a positive way for her, as she lost to Jordan Cooperrider in the Round of 32 at the 2014 Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am, 2-11, 11-5, 2-11, 11-9, 11-9. Lambert was seeded 6th after finishing as runner-up two weeks ago at the New Jersey Open.
Two other small upsets in the 32s, as Michelle Key (18th seed) defeated Sharon Jackson (15th seed) in a battle of recent USA Racquetball Intercollegiate champions, 12-10, 11-1, 11-9, and 19th seed Jessica Parrilla beat 14th seed Hailey Miller, 11-2, 11-4, 11-3.
Also, Sheryl Lotts came back from 0-2 down to defeat T. J. Baumbaugh in five games, 4-11, 8-11, 11-1, 11-1, 11-5.
The other higher seeds all won, but of note was Gabriela Martinez's performance against 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich, who won 11-8, 11-6, 12-10. The thing to know about that match is that Martinez, who's from Guatemala, is the current World Junior Champion in Girl's U14. So, a 14/15 year old is going playing close with the 2nd best player in the world. Martinez is a player to watch for in the future.
Live coverage of the 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am on the LPRT Network is tentatively set to start on Friday at 4 PM EDT with the Round of 16. But will certainly be on for the quarter finals at 11 AM EDT on Saturday morning.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria v. BYE
17 Sheryl Lotts d. 16 T.J. Baumbaugh, 4-11, 8-11, 11-1, 11-1, 11-5
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 24 Laura Brandt, 11-3, 11-2, 11-1
8 Da'monique Davis d. 24 Claudia Andrade, 11-1, 11-4, 11-4
5 Cristina Amaya d. 28 Marie Gomar, 11-9, 11-0, 11-5
12 Adrienne Haynes d. 21 Marianna Tobon, 11-8, 4-11, 11-8, 11-4
13 Maria Paz Muñoz d. 20 Maria Renee Rodriguez. 11-1, 11-4, 11-8
4 Samantha Salas d. 29 Sofia Sole, 11-6, 11-1, 11-0
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 30 Melania Sauma, 11-4, 11-0, 11-3
19 Jessica Parilla d. 14 Hailey Miller, 11-2, 11-4, 11-3
11 Aubrey Kirch d. 22 Cecilia Orozco, 11-2, 11-4, 11-4
27 Jordan Cooperrider d. 6 Frédérique Lambert, 2-11, 11-5, 2-11, 11-9, 11-9
7 Susana Acosta d. 27 Mariana Paredes, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 24 Masiel Rivera, 11-8, 11-6, 11-0
18 Michelle Key d. 15 Sharon Jackson, 12-10, 11-1, 11-9
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 32 Gabriela Martinez, 11-8, 11-6, 12-10
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 17 Sheryl Lotts
8 Da'monique Davis v. 9 Cheryl Gudinas
5 Cristina Amaya v. 12 Adrienne Haynes
4 Samantha Salas v. 13 Maria Paz Muñoz
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 19 Jessica Parilla
11 Aubrey Kirch v. 27 Jordan Cooperrider
7 Susana Acosta v. 10 Veronica Sotomayor
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 18 Michelle Key
Follow the bouncing ball....
Two other small upsets in the 32s, as Michelle Key (18th seed) defeated Sharon Jackson (15th seed) in a battle of recent USA Racquetball Intercollegiate champions, 12-10, 11-1, 11-9, and 19th seed Jessica Parrilla beat 14th seed Hailey Miller, 11-2, 11-4, 11-3.
Also, Sheryl Lotts came back from 0-2 down to defeat T. J. Baumbaugh in five games, 4-11, 8-11, 11-1, 11-1, 11-5.
The other higher seeds all won, but of note was Gabriela Martinez's performance against 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich, who won 11-8, 11-6, 12-10. The thing to know about that match is that Martinez, who's from Guatemala, is the current World Junior Champion in Girl's U14. So, a 14/15 year old is going playing close with the 2nd best player in the world. Martinez is a player to watch for in the future.
Live coverage of the 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am on the LPRT Network is tentatively set to start on Friday at 4 PM EDT with the Round of 16. But will certainly be on for the quarter finals at 11 AM EDT on Saturday morning.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria v. BYE
17 Sheryl Lotts d. 16 T.J. Baumbaugh, 4-11, 8-11, 11-1, 11-1, 11-5
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 24 Laura Brandt, 11-3, 11-2, 11-1
8 Da'monique Davis d. 24 Claudia Andrade, 11-1, 11-4, 11-4
5 Cristina Amaya d. 28 Marie Gomar, 11-9, 11-0, 11-5
12 Adrienne Haynes d. 21 Marianna Tobon, 11-8, 4-11, 11-8, 11-4
13 Maria Paz Muñoz d. 20 Maria Renee Rodriguez. 11-1, 11-4, 11-8
4 Samantha Salas d. 29 Sofia Sole, 11-6, 11-1, 11-0
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 30 Melania Sauma, 11-4, 11-0, 11-3
19 Jessica Parilla d. 14 Hailey Miller, 11-2, 11-4, 11-3
11 Aubrey Kirch d. 22 Cecilia Orozco, 11-2, 11-4, 11-4
27 Jordan Cooperrider d. 6 Frédérique Lambert, 2-11, 11-5, 2-11, 11-9, 11-9
7 Susana Acosta d. 27 Mariana Paredes, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 24 Masiel Rivera, 11-8, 11-6, 11-0
18 Michelle Key d. 15 Sharon Jackson, 12-10, 11-1, 11-9
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 32 Gabriela Martinez, 11-8, 11-6, 12-10
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 17 Sheryl Lotts
8 Da'monique Davis v. 9 Cheryl Gudinas
5 Cristina Amaya v. 12 Adrienne Haynes
4 Samantha Salas v. 13 Maria Paz Muñoz
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 19 Jessica Parilla
11 Aubrey Kirch v. 27 Jordan Cooperrider
7 Susana Acosta v. 10 Veronica Sotomayor
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 18 Michelle Key
Follow the bouncing ball....
LPRT Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am Preview UPDATED
For the first time in a long time there's a full draw of 32 at a Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) event (outside of the US Open), as 32 players will vie for the title at the 2014 Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am.
(note: the draw has changed slightly with the withdrawal of Carolina Luque)
Paola Longoria is the top seed and will look to continue her winning streak that began in May 2011. But who will she face in the final? Five players have been runner up to Longoria this season: Rhonda Rajsich (four times), Maria Jose Vargas, Cristina Amaya, Veronica Sotomayor and Frédérique Lambert. Four of those could reach the final in Miami to face off with Longoria. Amaya cannot, as she's the 5th seed and would meet Longoria in the semi-finals.
In finals this season, Longoria has given up an average of 16.1 points. Vargas got 24 on Longoria, including winning one game. Amaya 11, Lambert 15 and Sotomayor 13 as they all lost in three straight games. Rajsich took a game off Longoria in one of their matches, scoring 24 points in that match, and she's averaged 16.5 points against Longoria this season.
With a winning streak like Longoria's, the speculation is not on whether it will continue but on who she'll beat this time and by how many points.
But there will be plenty of great matches outside of Longoria's, and they will start right off the hop in the Round of 32.
Three recent USA Racquetball Intercollegiate champions are in the draw, and two of them will play each other, as Sharon Jackson and Michelle Key will face off in the 32s. They played in two Intercollegiate Women's finals with Key winning in 2011 and Jackson in 2012.
Sheryl Lotts was Intercollegiate champion in 2009 and she'll play veteran T. J. Baumbaugh in the 16/17 seed game with the winner likely to face Longoria in the Round of 16.
In the 16s, there will be more interesting matches with Amaya likely playing Adrienne Haynes, Lambert against Aubrey Kirch, Sotomayor against Susana Acosta, and 8th seed Da'monique Davis likely facing off with 9th seed Cheryl Gudinas.
Look for live coverage of the 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am on the LPRT Network beginning tentatively on Friday at 3 PM EDT with the Round of 16.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
1 Paola Longoria v. BYE
16 T.J. Baumbaugh v. 17 Sheryl Lotts
9 Cheryl Gudinas v. 24 Laura Brandt
8 Da'monique Davis v. 25 Claudia Andrade
5 Cristina Amaya v. 28 Marie Gomar
12 Adrienne Haynes v. 21 Marianna Tobon
13 Maria Paz Muñoz v. 20 Maria Renee Rodriguez
4 Samantha Salas v. 29 Sofia Soley
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 30 Melania Sauma
14 Hailey Miller v. 19 Jessica Parilla
11 Aubrey Kirch v. 22 Cecilia Orozco
6 Frédérique Lambert v. 27 Jordan Cooperrider
7 Susana Acosta v. 26 Mariana Paredes
10 Veronica Sotomayor v. 23 Masiel Rivera
15 Sharon Jackson v. 18 Michelle Key
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 31 Gabriela Martinez
Follow the bouncing ball....
(note: the draw has changed slightly with the withdrawal of Carolina Luque)
Paola Longoria is the top seed and will look to continue her winning streak that began in May 2011. But who will she face in the final? Five players have been runner up to Longoria this season: Rhonda Rajsich (four times), Maria Jose Vargas, Cristina Amaya, Veronica Sotomayor and Frédérique Lambert. Four of those could reach the final in Miami to face off with Longoria. Amaya cannot, as she's the 5th seed and would meet Longoria in the semi-finals.
In finals this season, Longoria has given up an average of 16.1 points. Vargas got 24 on Longoria, including winning one game. Amaya 11, Lambert 15 and Sotomayor 13 as they all lost in three straight games. Rajsich took a game off Longoria in one of their matches, scoring 24 points in that match, and she's averaged 16.5 points against Longoria this season.
With a winning streak like Longoria's, the speculation is not on whether it will continue but on who she'll beat this time and by how many points.
But there will be plenty of great matches outside of Longoria's, and they will start right off the hop in the Round of 32.
Three recent USA Racquetball Intercollegiate champions are in the draw, and two of them will play each other, as Sharon Jackson and Michelle Key will face off in the 32s. They played in two Intercollegiate Women's finals with Key winning in 2011 and Jackson in 2012.
Sheryl Lotts was Intercollegiate champion in 2009 and she'll play veteran T. J. Baumbaugh in the 16/17 seed game with the winner likely to face Longoria in the Round of 16.
In the 16s, there will be more interesting matches with Amaya likely playing Adrienne Haynes, Lambert against Aubrey Kirch, Sotomayor against Susana Acosta, and 8th seed Da'monique Davis likely facing off with 9th seed Cheryl Gudinas.
Look for live coverage of the 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am on the LPRT Network beginning tentatively on Friday at 3 PM EDT with the Round of 16.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
1 Paola Longoria v. BYE
16 T.J. Baumbaugh v. 17 Sheryl Lotts
9 Cheryl Gudinas v. 24 Laura Brandt
8 Da'monique Davis v. 25 Claudia Andrade
5 Cristina Amaya v. 28 Marie Gomar
12 Adrienne Haynes v. 21 Marianna Tobon
13 Maria Paz Muñoz v. 20 Maria Renee Rodriguez
4 Samantha Salas v. 29 Sofia Soley
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 30 Melania Sauma
14 Hailey Miller v. 19 Jessica Parilla
11 Aubrey Kirch v. 22 Cecilia Orozco
6 Frédérique Lambert v. 27 Jordan Cooperrider
7 Susana Acosta v. 26 Mariana Paredes
10 Veronica Sotomayor v. 23 Masiel Rivera
15 Sharon Jackson v. 18 Michelle Key
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 31 Gabriela Martinez
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
LPRT 2014 Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am Preview
For the first time in a long time there's a full draw of 32 at a Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) event (outside of the US Open), as 32 players will vie for the title at the 2014 Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am.
Paola Longoria is the top seed and will look to continue her winning streak that began in May 2011. But who will she face in the final? Five players have been runner up to Longoria this season: Rhonda Rajsich (four times), Maria Jose Vargas, Cristina Amaya, Veronica Sotomayor and Frédérique Lambert. Four of those could reach the final in Miami to face off with Longoria. Amaya cannot, as she's the 5th seed and would meet Longoria in the semi-finals.
In finals this season, Longoria has given up an average of 16.1 points. Vargas got 24 on Longoria, including winning one game. Amaya 11, Lambert 15 and Sotomayor 13 as they all lost in three straight games. Rajsich took a game off Longoria in one of their matches, scoring 24 points in that match, and she's averaged 16.5 points against Longoria this season.
With a winning streak like Longoria's, the speculation is not on whether it will continue but on who she'll beat this time and by how many points.
But there will be plenty of great matches outside of Longoria's, and they will start right off the hop in the Round of 32.
Three recent USA Racquetball Intercollegiate champions are in the draw, and two of them will play each other, as Sharon Jackson and Michelle Key will face off in the 32s. They played in two Intercollegiate Women's finals with Key winning in 2011 and Jackson in 2012.
Sheryl Lotts was Intercollegiate champion in 2009 and she'll play veteran T. J. Baumbaugh in the 16/17 seed game with the winner likely to face Longoria in the Round of 16.
Another good match up in the 32s will be 13th seed Maria Paz Muñoz of Ecuador versus 20th seed Jessica Parilla of Mexico.
In the 16s, there will be more interesting matches with Amaya likely playing Adrienne Haynes, Lambert against Aubrey Kirch, Sotomayor against Susana Acosta, and 8th seed Da'monique Davis likely facing off with 9th seed Cheryl Gudinas.
Look for live coverage of the 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am on the LPRT Network beginning on Friday.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
1 Paola Longoria v. 32 Gabriela Martinez
16 T.J. Baumbaugh v. 17 Sheryl Lotts
9 Cheryl Gudinas v. 24 Masiel Rivera
8 Da'monique Davis v. 25 Laura Brandt
5 Cristina Amaya v. 28 Jordan Cooperrider
12 Adrienne Haynes v. 21 Maria Renee Rodriguez
13 Maria Paz Muñoz v. 20 Jessica Parilla
4 Samantha Salas v. 29 Marie Gomar
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 30 Sofia Soley
14 Hailey Miller v. 19 Carolina Luque
6 Frédérique Lambert v. 27 Mariana Paredes
11 Aubrey Kirch v. 22 Marianna Tobon
7 Susana Acosta v. 26 Claudia Andrade
10 Veronica Sotomayor v. 23 Cecilia Orozco
15 Sharon Jackson v. 18 Michelle Key
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 31 Melania Sauma
Follow the bouncing ball....
Paola Longoria is the top seed and will look to continue her winning streak that began in May 2011. But who will she face in the final? Five players have been runner up to Longoria this season: Rhonda Rajsich (four times), Maria Jose Vargas, Cristina Amaya, Veronica Sotomayor and Frédérique Lambert. Four of those could reach the final in Miami to face off with Longoria. Amaya cannot, as she's the 5th seed and would meet Longoria in the semi-finals.
In finals this season, Longoria has given up an average of 16.1 points. Vargas got 24 on Longoria, including winning one game. Amaya 11, Lambert 15 and Sotomayor 13 as they all lost in three straight games. Rajsich took a game off Longoria in one of their matches, scoring 24 points in that match, and she's averaged 16.5 points against Longoria this season.
With a winning streak like Longoria's, the speculation is not on whether it will continue but on who she'll beat this time and by how many points.
But there will be plenty of great matches outside of Longoria's, and they will start right off the hop in the Round of 32.
Three recent USA Racquetball Intercollegiate champions are in the draw, and two of them will play each other, as Sharon Jackson and Michelle Key will face off in the 32s. They played in two Intercollegiate Women's finals with Key winning in 2011 and Jackson in 2012.
Sheryl Lotts was Intercollegiate champion in 2009 and she'll play veteran T. J. Baumbaugh in the 16/17 seed game with the winner likely to face Longoria in the Round of 16.
Another good match up in the 32s will be 13th seed Maria Paz Muñoz of Ecuador versus 20th seed Jessica Parilla of Mexico.
In the 16s, there will be more interesting matches with Amaya likely playing Adrienne Haynes, Lambert against Aubrey Kirch, Sotomayor against Susana Acosta, and 8th seed Da'monique Davis likely facing off with 9th seed Cheryl Gudinas.
Look for live coverage of the 15th Annual Great Balls of Fire Pro-Am on the LPRT Network beginning on Friday.
LPRT Great Balls of Fire
Miami, Florida
1 Paola Longoria v. 32 Gabriela Martinez
16 T.J. Baumbaugh v. 17 Sheryl Lotts
9 Cheryl Gudinas v. 24 Masiel Rivera
8 Da'monique Davis v. 25 Laura Brandt
5 Cristina Amaya v. 28 Jordan Cooperrider
12 Adrienne Haynes v. 21 Maria Renee Rodriguez
13 Maria Paz Muñoz v. 20 Jessica Parilla
4 Samantha Salas v. 29 Marie Gomar
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 30 Sofia Soley
14 Hailey Miller v. 19 Carolina Luque
6 Frédérique Lambert v. 27 Mariana Paredes
11 Aubrey Kirch v. 22 Marianna Tobon
7 Susana Acosta v. 26 Claudia Andrade
10 Veronica Sotomayor v. 23 Cecilia Orozco
15 Sharon Jackson v. 18 Michelle Key
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 31 Melania Sauma
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, March 16, 2014
USA Racquetball Intercollegiates Review of Champions
The 2014 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate wrapped up on Saturday at North Carolina State University and new names were added to list of champions, and we've got the recent champions listed below. (note: the list is for the #1 men's and women's positions; players compete on teams of six with the #1 players playing off, #2s likewise, etc. Similarly there are three doubles teams from the six team players).
Jose Diaz of Delta College won men's singles, so Nick Montalbano of Colorado State, Pueblo finished 2nd for a third time, closing out his collegiate career with one title, which was in doubles with Jansen Allen in 2012 (the only year that he did not finish second in men's singles).
Felipe Camacho of Colorado State, Pueblo bookends his collegiate years with Men's doubles titles as he won this year with Brad Schopieray and in 2011 with Allen.
Devon Pimentelli (Canada College) won the women's singles title to go with the women's doubles title she won last year with Danielle Key playing for Arizona State. Amanda Lindsay and Karissa Beatty of Oregon State had to settle for 2nd for a second consecutive year in doubles as the title this year went to Elizabeth Simmons and Lindsay Rasmussen of Arizona, who were 3rd in 2013.
USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Champions
Women's Singles
2014
1. Devon Pimentelli (Canada College)
2. Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State)
3. Samantha Simmons (Maryland)
4. Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona)
2013
1. Kelani Bailey (Shenandoah)
2. Danielle Key (Arizona State)
3. Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State)
4. Kelly Gremley (Purdue)
2012
1. Sharon Jackson (Alabama)
2. Danielle Key (Arizona State)
3. Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
4. Hailey Miller (Oregon)
2011
1. Michelle Key (Arizona State)
2. Sharon Jackson (Univ. of Alabama)
3. Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
4. Kelly Gremley (Purdue)
2010
1. Sharon Jackson (Univ. of Alabama)
2. Michelle Key (Univ. of Arizona)
3. Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
4. Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)
2009
1. Sheryl Lotts, Baldwin Wallace
2. Kara Mazer, University of Alabama
3. Ashley Willhite, Oregon State
4. Teresa Diaz, Delta College
2008
1. Kara Mazer, University of Alabama
2. Sarah Hettesheimer, Baldwin Wallace
3. Ashley Willhite, Oregon State
4. Sue Sublaban, Delta College
2007
1. Kimberly Irons, Ohio University
2. Jesi Fuller, University of New Mexico
3. Da'monique Davis, University of Alabama
4. Sarah Herresheimer, Baldwin Wallace
Women's Doubles
2014
1. Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona)
2. Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State)
3. Anna Schwartz & Rachel Schmidt (Missouri)
4. Adrienne Schneider & Sara Moulton (Brigham Young)
2013
1. Danielle Key & Devon Pimentelli (Arizona State)
2. Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State)
3. Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona)
4. Eliza Culverwell & Mary Culverwell (Brigham Young)
2012
1. Madeleine Angles & Sharon Jackson (University of Alabama)
2. Molly Haragan & Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
3. Danielle Key & Izayadeth Aguayo (Arizona State)
4. Leah Redwine & Hailey Miller (University Of Oregon)
2011
1. Brittany Travers & Sharon Jackson (University of Alabama)
2. Sheryl Lotts & Tracy Hawthorne (Baldwin Wallace)
3. Hailey Miller & Leah Redwine (University of Oregon)
4. Izayadeth Aguayo & Michelle Key (Arizona State)
2010
1. Kara Mazur & Sharon Jackson (University of Alabama)
2. Sheryl Lotts & Tracy Hawthorne (Baldwin Wallace)
3. Haley Strom & Holly Hettesheimer (University Of Cincinnati)
4. Izayadeth Aguayo & Michelle Key (Arizona State)
2009
1. Sharon Jackson & Kara Mazer, University of Alabama
2. Sarah Hettesheimer & Sheryl Lotts, Baldwin Wallace
3. Alyssa Asay & Ashley Willhite, Oregon State
4. Eliza Culverwell & Charlotte Macfarlane, Brigham Young University
Men's Singles
2014
1. Jose Diaz (Delta College)
2. Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3. Adam Manilla (Colorado State)
4. Joel Barshaw (Oregon State)
2013
1. Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
2. Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3. Cole Burr (Brigham Young)
4. Jordan Matthews (North Carolina State)
2012
1. Jansen Allen (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2. Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
3. John Craig Chisholm (Boston Univ.)
4. Jose Diaz (Delta College)
2011
1. Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
2. Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3. Danny Lavely (Univ. of Alabama)
4. John Craig Chisholm (Boston Univ.)
2010
1. Jose Rojas (Delta College)
2. Taylor Knoth (Univ. of Oregon)
3. Joey Lakowske (Oregon State)
4. Allan Crockett (Univ. of Alabama)
2009
1. Jose Rojas, Delta College
2. Allan Crockett, University of Alabama
3. Anthony Carson, Colorado State
4. Anthony Herrera, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
2008
1. Tony Carson, Colorado State
2. Anthony Herrera, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
3. Bradly Rogers, Wichita
4. Allan Crockett, University of Alabama
2007
1. Ben Croft, Colorado State, Pueblo
2. Agustin Tristan, University of Alabama
3. Evan Ussery, University of New Mexico
4. Phil Matthews, University of Illinois
Men's Doubles
2014
1. Felipe Camacho & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2. Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado State)
3. Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State)
4. Danny Sardina & Zachary Patterson (Arizona State)
2013
1. Taylor Knoth & Joel Bradshow (Oregon State)
2. Nick Montalbano & Jake Bredenbeck (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3. Cole Burr & Brian Zundel (Brigham Young)
4. Alex Fischler & Joe Koch (Missouri)
2012
1. Jansen Allen & Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2. Grant Stalley & Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
3. Brad Falvey & Danny Lavely (Alabama)
4. Cole Burr & Joseph Blank (Brigham Young)
2011
1. Felipe Camacho & Jansen Allen (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2. Allan Crockett & Danny Lavely (University of Alabama)
3. Joey Pryor & Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
4. Jeff Skanchy & Joseph Blank (Brigham Young)
2010
1. David Horn & Jose Rojas (Delta College)
2. Jansen Allen & Tyler Otto (Colorado State)
3. Allan Crockett & Jonathan Doyle (University of Alabama)
4. David Laforest & Joey Lakowske (Oregon State)
2009
1. Tony Carson & Jansen Allen, Colorado State
2. Jose Rojas & Ismael Aldana Jr. (Delta College)
3. Allan Crockett & Jonathan Doyle (University of Alabama)
4. Harry Matt Fuller & Zach Apperson (Baldwin Wallace)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Jose Diaz of Delta College won men's singles, so Nick Montalbano of Colorado State, Pueblo finished 2nd for a third time, closing out his collegiate career with one title, which was in doubles with Jansen Allen in 2012 (the only year that he did not finish second in men's singles).
Felipe Camacho of Colorado State, Pueblo bookends his collegiate years with Men's doubles titles as he won this year with Brad Schopieray and in 2011 with Allen.
Devon Pimentelli (Canada College) won the women's singles title to go with the women's doubles title she won last year with Danielle Key playing for Arizona State. Amanda Lindsay and Karissa Beatty of Oregon State had to settle for 2nd for a second consecutive year in doubles as the title this year went to Elizabeth Simmons and Lindsay Rasmussen of Arizona, who were 3rd in 2013.
USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Champions
Women's Singles
2014
1. Devon Pimentelli (Canada College)
2. Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State)
3. Samantha Simmons (Maryland)
4. Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona)
2013
1. Kelani Bailey (Shenandoah)
2. Danielle Key (Arizona State)
3. Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State)
4. Kelly Gremley (Purdue)
2012
1. Sharon Jackson (Alabama)
2. Danielle Key (Arizona State)
3. Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
4. Hailey Miller (Oregon)
2011
1. Michelle Key (Arizona State)
2. Sharon Jackson (Univ. of Alabama)
3. Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
4. Kelly Gremley (Purdue)
2010
1. Sharon Jackson (Univ. of Alabama)
2. Michelle Key (Univ. of Arizona)
3. Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
4. Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)
2009
1. Sheryl Lotts, Baldwin Wallace
2. Kara Mazer, University of Alabama
3. Ashley Willhite, Oregon State
4. Teresa Diaz, Delta College
2008
1. Kara Mazer, University of Alabama
2. Sarah Hettesheimer, Baldwin Wallace
3. Ashley Willhite, Oregon State
4. Sue Sublaban, Delta College
2007
1. Kimberly Irons, Ohio University
2. Jesi Fuller, University of New Mexico
3. Da'monique Davis, University of Alabama
4. Sarah Herresheimer, Baldwin Wallace
Women's Doubles
2014
1. Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona)
2. Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State)
3. Anna Schwartz & Rachel Schmidt (Missouri)
4. Adrienne Schneider & Sara Moulton (Brigham Young)
2013
1. Danielle Key & Devon Pimentelli (Arizona State)
2. Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State)
3. Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona)
4. Eliza Culverwell & Mary Culverwell (Brigham Young)
2012
1. Madeleine Angles & Sharon Jackson (University of Alabama)
2. Molly Haragan & Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
3. Danielle Key & Izayadeth Aguayo (Arizona State)
4. Leah Redwine & Hailey Miller (University Of Oregon)
2011
1. Brittany Travers & Sharon Jackson (University of Alabama)
2. Sheryl Lotts & Tracy Hawthorne (Baldwin Wallace)
3. Hailey Miller & Leah Redwine (University of Oregon)
4. Izayadeth Aguayo & Michelle Key (Arizona State)
2010
1. Kara Mazur & Sharon Jackson (University of Alabama)
2. Sheryl Lotts & Tracy Hawthorne (Baldwin Wallace)
3. Haley Strom & Holly Hettesheimer (University Of Cincinnati)
4. Izayadeth Aguayo & Michelle Key (Arizona State)
2009
1. Sharon Jackson & Kara Mazer, University of Alabama
2. Sarah Hettesheimer & Sheryl Lotts, Baldwin Wallace
3. Alyssa Asay & Ashley Willhite, Oregon State
4. Eliza Culverwell & Charlotte Macfarlane, Brigham Young University
Men's Singles
2014
1. Jose Diaz (Delta College)
2. Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3. Adam Manilla (Colorado State)
4. Joel Barshaw (Oregon State)
2013
1. Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
2. Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3. Cole Burr (Brigham Young)
4. Jordan Matthews (North Carolina State)
2012
1. Jansen Allen (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2. Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
3. John Craig Chisholm (Boston Univ.)
4. Jose Diaz (Delta College)
2011
1. Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
2. Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3. Danny Lavely (Univ. of Alabama)
4. John Craig Chisholm (Boston Univ.)
2010
1. Jose Rojas (Delta College)
2. Taylor Knoth (Univ. of Oregon)
3. Joey Lakowske (Oregon State)
4. Allan Crockett (Univ. of Alabama)
2009
1. Jose Rojas, Delta College
2. Allan Crockett, University of Alabama
3. Anthony Carson, Colorado State
4. Anthony Herrera, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
2008
1. Tony Carson, Colorado State
2. Anthony Herrera, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
3. Bradly Rogers, Wichita
4. Allan Crockett, University of Alabama
2007
1. Ben Croft, Colorado State, Pueblo
2. Agustin Tristan, University of Alabama
3. Evan Ussery, University of New Mexico
4. Phil Matthews, University of Illinois
Men's Doubles
2014
1. Felipe Camacho & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2. Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado State)
3. Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State)
4. Danny Sardina & Zachary Patterson (Arizona State)
2013
1. Taylor Knoth & Joel Bradshow (Oregon State)
2. Nick Montalbano & Jake Bredenbeck (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3. Cole Burr & Brian Zundel (Brigham Young)
4. Alex Fischler & Joe Koch (Missouri)
2012
1. Jansen Allen & Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2. Grant Stalley & Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
3. Brad Falvey & Danny Lavely (Alabama)
4. Cole Burr & Joseph Blank (Brigham Young)
2011
1. Felipe Camacho & Jansen Allen (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2. Allan Crockett & Danny Lavely (University of Alabama)
3. Joey Pryor & Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
4. Jeff Skanchy & Joseph Blank (Brigham Young)
2010
1. David Horn & Jose Rojas (Delta College)
2. Jansen Allen & Tyler Otto (Colorado State)
3. Allan Crockett & Jonathan Doyle (University of Alabama)
4. David Laforest & Joey Lakowske (Oregon State)
2009
1. Tony Carson & Jansen Allen, Colorado State
2. Jose Rojas & Ismael Aldana Jr. (Delta College)
3. Allan Crockett & Jonathan Doyle (University of Alabama)
4. Harry Matt Fuller & Zach Apperson (Baldwin Wallace)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, March 15, 2014
2014 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Finals - Diaz & Pimentelli win
Two upsets in the finals of the #1 spots in both Men's and Women's singles at the 2014 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Championships on the campus of North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C., as Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo) and Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State) both lost their respective finals.
Montalbano finished runner up for a second consecutive year, as he lost to 2nd seed Jose Diaz of Delta College, 15-14, 6-15, 11-7, in Men's #1 singles. Montalbano got more points than Diaz, but did not win more games.
Adam Manilla of Colorado State beat Joel Barshaw of Oregon State, 15-11, 15-14, in the 3rd place match.
On women's side, 3rd seed Devon Pimentelli (Canada College) beat Lindsay in the final in two straight games, 15-7, 15-5. Pimentelli had defeated 2nd seed Samantha Simmons (Maryland) in the semis, so took out both top seeds to claim the title. Simmons claimed 3rd place by defeating her sister Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona), 13-15, 15-14, 11-3.
In Men's #1 doubles, it was a battle of two lefty-righty teams from Colorado with Felipe Camacho and Brad Schopieray of Colorado State, Pueblo coming out on top of Adam Manilla and Nick Riffel of Colorado State, 12-15, 15-3, 11-0.
Third Place went to Joel Bradshow and Sam Reid of Oregon State as they beat Danny Sardina and Zachary Patterson of Arizona State, "15-8, 15-13, 13-0" [sic].
Lindsay was trying for gold in Women's #1 doubles also, but she and team-mate Karissa Beatty of Oregon State lost to Elizabeth Simmons and Lindsay Rasmussen of Arizona, 15-10, 15-11. Anna Schwartz and Rachel Schmidt (Missouri) defeated Adrienne Schneider and Sara Moulton (Brigham Young), 11-15, 15-9, 11-6.
2014 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Championships
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
Men's #1 Singles
Final
Jose Diaz (Delta College) d. Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo), 15-14, 6-15, 11-7
3rd Place
Adam Manilla (Colorado State) d. Joel Barshaw (Oregon State), 15-11, 15-14
Men's #1 Doubles
Final
Felipe Camacho & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo) d. Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado State), 12-15, 15-3, 11-0
3rd Place
Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State) d. Danny Sardina & Zachary Patterson (Arizona State), "15-8, 15-13, 13-0" [sic]
Women's #1 Singles
Final
Devon Pimentelli (Canada College) d. Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State), 15-7, 15-5
3rd Place
Samantha Simmons (Maryland) d. Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona), 13-15, 15-14, 11-3
Women's #1 Doubles
Final
Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona) d. Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State), 15-10, 15-11
3rd Place
Anna Schwartz & Rachel Schmidt (Missouri) d. Adrienne Schneider & Sara Moulton (Brigham Young), 11-15, 15-9, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Montalbano finished runner up for a second consecutive year, as he lost to 2nd seed Jose Diaz of Delta College, 15-14, 6-15, 11-7, in Men's #1 singles. Montalbano got more points than Diaz, but did not win more games.
Adam Manilla of Colorado State beat Joel Barshaw of Oregon State, 15-11, 15-14, in the 3rd place match.
On women's side, 3rd seed Devon Pimentelli (Canada College) beat Lindsay in the final in two straight games, 15-7, 15-5. Pimentelli had defeated 2nd seed Samantha Simmons (Maryland) in the semis, so took out both top seeds to claim the title. Simmons claimed 3rd place by defeating her sister Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona), 13-15, 15-14, 11-3.
In Men's #1 doubles, it was a battle of two lefty-righty teams from Colorado with Felipe Camacho and Brad Schopieray of Colorado State, Pueblo coming out on top of Adam Manilla and Nick Riffel of Colorado State, 12-15, 15-3, 11-0.
Third Place went to Joel Bradshow and Sam Reid of Oregon State as they beat Danny Sardina and Zachary Patterson of Arizona State, "15-8, 15-13, 13-0" [sic].
Lindsay was trying for gold in Women's #1 doubles also, but she and team-mate Karissa Beatty of Oregon State lost to Elizabeth Simmons and Lindsay Rasmussen of Arizona, 15-10, 15-11. Anna Schwartz and Rachel Schmidt (Missouri) defeated Adrienne Schneider and Sara Moulton (Brigham Young), 11-15, 15-9, 11-6.
2014 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Championships
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
Men's #1 Singles
Final
Jose Diaz (Delta College) d. Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo), 15-14, 6-15, 11-7
3rd Place
Adam Manilla (Colorado State) d. Joel Barshaw (Oregon State), 15-11, 15-14
Men's #1 Doubles
Final
Felipe Camacho & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo) d. Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado State), 12-15, 15-3, 11-0
3rd Place
Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State) d. Danny Sardina & Zachary Patterson (Arizona State), "15-8, 15-13, 13-0" [sic]
Women's #1 Singles
Final
Devon Pimentelli (Canada College) d. Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State), 15-7, 15-5
3rd Place
Samantha Simmons (Maryland) d. Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona), 13-15, 15-14, 11-3
Women's #1 Doubles
Final
Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona) d. Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State), 15-10, 15-11
3rd Place
Anna Schwartz & Rachel Schmidt (Missouri) d. Adrienne Schneider & Sara Moulton (Brigham Young), 11-15, 15-9, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, March 14, 2014
2014 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Championship - Semi-finals
North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C. is hosting the 2014 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Championships, and there are guaranteed new champions as last year's winners - Taylor Knoth (Oregon State) and Kelani Bailey (Shenandoah) - aren't in the draw.
But Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo) and Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State) are. Montalbano was runner up to Knoth last year and Lindsay was third. They are both top seeds this year in Men's and Women's #1 divisions, respectively.
Montalbano will play for the title on Saturday, as he defeated Joel Barshaw of Oregon State in the semi-finals, 15-12, 15-9. Jose Diaz of Delta College is the other finalist after he outlasted Adam Manilla of Colorado State, 12-15, 15-6, 11-3, in the other semi-final.
In women's play, Lindsay has reached the final with a 15-10, 15-12, win over Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona) in one semi-final, and will face Devon Pimentelli (Canada College), who won the other semi-final against Samantha Simmons (Maryland), 15-8, 15-12.
Lindsay will also be going for gold in doubles, as she and Karissa Beatty (Oregon State) defeated Anna Schwartz and Rachel Schmidt (Missouri), 15-4, 15-10, in one semi-final while Elizabeth Simmons and Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona) beat Adrienne Schneider and Sara Moulton (Brigham Young), 15-9, 15-3, in the other.
The finals will be broadcast Saturday via the USA Racquetball Network. The women's final is set for 3 PM EDT and the men's final for 4 PM EDT.
2014 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Championships
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
Men's #1 Singles
Semi-finals
Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo) d. Joel Barshaw (Oregon State), 15-12, 15-9
Jose Diaz (Delta College) d. Adam Manilla (Colorado State), 12-15, 15-6, 11-3
Final - Saturday 4 PM
Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo) v. Jose Diaz (Delta College)
3rd Place
Joel Barshaw (Oregon State) v. Adam Manilla (Colorado State)
Men's #1 Doubles
Semi-finals
Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado State) d. Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State), 15-12, 15-12
Felipe Camacho & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo) d. Danny Sardina & Zachary Patterson (Arizona State), 15-3, 15-8
Finals
Felipe Camacho & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo) v. Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado State)
3rd Place
Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State) v. Danny Sardina & Zachary Patterson (Arizona State)
Women's #1 Singles
Semi-finals
Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State) d. Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona), 15-10, 15-12
Devon Pimentelli (Canada College) d. Samantha Simmons (Maryland), 15-8, 15-12
Final - Saturday 3 PM
Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State) v. Devon Pimentelli (Canada College)
3rd Place - Saturday
Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona) v. Samantha Simmons (Maryland)
Women's #1 Doubles
Semi-finals
Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State) v. Anna Schwartz & Rachel Schmidt (Missouri), 15-4, 15-10
Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona) v. Adrienne Schneider & Sara Moulton (Brigham Young), 15-9, 15-3
Final
Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State) v. Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona)
3rd Place
Anna Schwartz & Rachel Schmidt (Missouri) v. Adrienne Schneider & Sara Moulton (Brigham Young)
Follow the bouncing ball....
But Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo) and Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State) are. Montalbano was runner up to Knoth last year and Lindsay was third. They are both top seeds this year in Men's and Women's #1 divisions, respectively.
Montalbano will play for the title on Saturday, as he defeated Joel Barshaw of Oregon State in the semi-finals, 15-12, 15-9. Jose Diaz of Delta College is the other finalist after he outlasted Adam Manilla of Colorado State, 12-15, 15-6, 11-3, in the other semi-final.
In women's play, Lindsay has reached the final with a 15-10, 15-12, win over Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona) in one semi-final, and will face Devon Pimentelli (Canada College), who won the other semi-final against Samantha Simmons (Maryland), 15-8, 15-12.
Lindsay will also be going for gold in doubles, as she and Karissa Beatty (Oregon State) defeated Anna Schwartz and Rachel Schmidt (Missouri), 15-4, 15-10, in one semi-final while Elizabeth Simmons and Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona) beat Adrienne Schneider and Sara Moulton (Brigham Young), 15-9, 15-3, in the other.
The finals will be broadcast Saturday via the USA Racquetball Network. The women's final is set for 3 PM EDT and the men's final for 4 PM EDT.
2014 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Championships
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
Men's #1 Singles
Semi-finals
Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo) d. Joel Barshaw (Oregon State), 15-12, 15-9
Jose Diaz (Delta College) d. Adam Manilla (Colorado State), 12-15, 15-6, 11-3
Final - Saturday 4 PM
Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo) v. Jose Diaz (Delta College)
3rd Place
Joel Barshaw (Oregon State) v. Adam Manilla (Colorado State)
Men's #1 Doubles
Semi-finals
Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado State) d. Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State), 15-12, 15-12
Felipe Camacho & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo) d. Danny Sardina & Zachary Patterson (Arizona State), 15-3, 15-8
Finals
Felipe Camacho & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo) v. Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado State)
3rd Place
Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State) v. Danny Sardina & Zachary Patterson (Arizona State)
Women's #1 Singles
Semi-finals
Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State) d. Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona), 15-10, 15-12
Devon Pimentelli (Canada College) d. Samantha Simmons (Maryland), 15-8, 15-12
Final - Saturday 3 PM
Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State) v. Devon Pimentelli (Canada College)
3rd Place - Saturday
Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona) v. Samantha Simmons (Maryland)
Women's #1 Doubles
Semi-finals
Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State) v. Anna Schwartz & Rachel Schmidt (Missouri), 15-4, 15-10
Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona) v. Adrienne Schneider & Sara Moulton (Brigham Young), 15-9, 15-3
Final
Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State) v. Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona)
3rd Place
Anna Schwartz & Rachel Schmidt (Missouri) v. Adrienne Schneider & Sara Moulton (Brigham Young)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
LPRT Rankings March 10, 2014
The latest rankings from the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) are out and the top 5 players remain the same, led by Paola Longoria and Rhonda Rajsich at #1 and #2, respectively, with Maria Jose Vargas #3, Samantha Salas Solis #4 and Cristina Amaya #5.
However, Frédérique Lambert has moved up one spot to 6th ahead of Susana Acosta, who's now 7th. Sixth is a career high for Lambert, who made her 1st LPRT final last weekend at the New Jersey Open.
Rounding out the top 10 are Da'monique Davis 8th, Cheryl Gudinas 9th, and Veronica Sotomayor 10th.
Of note, Aubrey Kirch, who is 11th overall (a career best), is 8th in the season to date rankings, so she is the 2nd highest American in the season to date rankings behind Rajisch (2nd) and ahead of Davis (10th) and Gudinas (13th).
That could put Kirch in the driver's seat to be selected to play for Team USA at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships in Burlington, Ontario in June.
The next LPRT event is the Great Balls of Fire tournament in Miami, Florida, March 21-23.
LPRT Rankings - March 10, 2014
Rank - Name - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 2580.00
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1294.00
3 Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) 910.50
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 797.50
5 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 674.00
6 Frédérique Lambert (Canada) 566.50
7 Susana Acosta (Mexico) 562.50
8 Da'monique Davis (USA) 444.75
9 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 408.00
10 Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) 365.00
11 Aubrey Kirch (USA) 342.50
12 Adrienne Haynes (USA) 329.00
13 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 291.25
14 Sofia Rascon (Mexico) 269.75
15 Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) 264.50
16 Carla Muñoz (Chile) 232.50
17 Hailey Miller (USA) 214.75
18 Sharon Jackson (USA) 209.00
19 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 207.25
20 Linda Scales (USA) 204.75
Follow the bouncing ball....
However, Frédérique Lambert has moved up one spot to 6th ahead of Susana Acosta, who's now 7th. Sixth is a career high for Lambert, who made her 1st LPRT final last weekend at the New Jersey Open.
Rounding out the top 10 are Da'monique Davis 8th, Cheryl Gudinas 9th, and Veronica Sotomayor 10th.
Of note, Aubrey Kirch, who is 11th overall (a career best), is 8th in the season to date rankings, so she is the 2nd highest American in the season to date rankings behind Rajisch (2nd) and ahead of Davis (10th) and Gudinas (13th).
That could put Kirch in the driver's seat to be selected to play for Team USA at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships in Burlington, Ontario in June.
The next LPRT event is the Great Balls of Fire tournament in Miami, Florida, March 21-23.
LPRT Rankings - March 10, 2014
Rank - Name - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 2580.00
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1294.00
3 Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) 910.50
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 797.50
5 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 674.00
6 Frédérique Lambert (Canada) 566.50
7 Susana Acosta (Mexico) 562.50
8 Da'monique Davis (USA) 444.75
9 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 408.00
10 Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) 365.00
11 Aubrey Kirch (USA) 342.50
12 Adrienne Haynes (USA) 329.00
13 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 291.25
14 Sofia Rascon (Mexico) 269.75
15 Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) 264.50
16 Carla Muñoz (Chile) 232.50
17 Hailey Miller (USA) 214.75
18 Sharon Jackson (USA) 209.00
19 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 207.25
20 Linda Scales (USA) 204.75
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, March 10, 2014
Weekend Round Up - Davis, Franco, Lavely winners
Da'monique Davis won the women's open division at the New Jersey Open in Warren, N.J., as she defeated Jessica Parrilla, 15-7, 15-12, in the final on Sunday. Davis beat Linda Scales in one semi-final, 15-6, 15-5, while Parrilla defeated Sofia Rascon, 15-8, 12-15, 11-3, in the other.
In Tampa, Florida, Sebastian Franco won the men's open division of the Florida Spring Break Pro-Am with a win over Alejandro Herrera in the final, 15-13, 15-9.
In the semis, Franco beat Felipe Camacho, 14-15, 15-11, 11-8, while Herrera defeated Robert Collins, 15-3, 15-5.
Franco and Herrera teamed up to win the men's open doubles title in Tampa, as they defeated Juan Torres and Set Cubillos, 15-6, 13-15, 11-8, in the final.
Finally, in Fort Smith, Arkansas Danny Lavely won the 12th Annual Duboise Electric Racquetball Pro-Am Classic - a Tier 4 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event - as he beat Travis Woodbury in the final, 11-9, 11-0, 11-9.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Women's Open Final
Da'monique Davis d. Jessica Parrilla, 15-7, 15-12
Semi-finals
Da'monique Davis d. Linda Scales, 15-6, 15-5
Jessica Parrilla d. Sofia Rascon, 15-8, 12-15, 11-3
Quarter-finals
Da'monique Davis d. Hailey Miller, 15-5, 15-10
Linda Scales d. Carla Muñoz, 15-13, 15-6
Sofia Rascon d. Masiel Rivera, 15-8, 11-15, 11-1
Jessica Parrilla d. T. J. Baumbaugh, 15-2, 15-7
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Men's Open Final
Sebastian Franco d. Alejandro Herrera, 15-13, 15-9
Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco d. Felipe Camacho, 14-15, 15-11, 11-8
Alejandro Herrera d. Robert Collins, 15-3, 15-5
Men's Open Doubles Final
Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera d. Juan Torres & Set Cubillos, 15-6, 13-15, 11-8
Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera d. Andres Aviles & Pablo Sauma, 8-15, 15-8, 11-6
Juan Torres & Set Cubillos d. Bruno Casalvolone & Felipe Camacho, 15-14, 15-13
12th Annual Duboise Electric Racquetball Pro-Am Classic
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Men's Open Final
Danny Lavely d. Travis Woodbury, 11-9, 11-0, 11-9
Semi-finals
Travis Woodbury d. Brian Watson, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7
Danny Lavely d. C. J. Shaffer, 11-5, 11-0, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball….
In Tampa, Florida, Sebastian Franco won the men's open division of the Florida Spring Break Pro-Am with a win over Alejandro Herrera in the final, 15-13, 15-9.
In the semis, Franco beat Felipe Camacho, 14-15, 15-11, 11-8, while Herrera defeated Robert Collins, 15-3, 15-5.
Franco and Herrera teamed up to win the men's open doubles title in Tampa, as they defeated Juan Torres and Set Cubillos, 15-6, 13-15, 11-8, in the final.
Finally, in Fort Smith, Arkansas Danny Lavely won the 12th Annual Duboise Electric Racquetball Pro-Am Classic - a Tier 4 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event - as he beat Travis Woodbury in the final, 11-9, 11-0, 11-9.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Women's Open Final
Da'monique Davis d. Jessica Parrilla, 15-7, 15-12
Semi-finals
Da'monique Davis d. Linda Scales, 15-6, 15-5
Jessica Parrilla d. Sofia Rascon, 15-8, 12-15, 11-3
Quarter-finals
Da'monique Davis d. Hailey Miller, 15-5, 15-10
Linda Scales d. Carla Muñoz, 15-13, 15-6
Sofia Rascon d. Masiel Rivera, 15-8, 11-15, 11-1
Jessica Parrilla d. T. J. Baumbaugh, 15-2, 15-7
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Men's Open Final
Sebastian Franco d. Alejandro Herrera, 15-13, 15-9
Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco d. Felipe Camacho, 14-15, 15-11, 11-8
Alejandro Herrera d. Robert Collins, 15-3, 15-5
Men's Open Doubles Final
Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera d. Juan Torres & Set Cubillos, 15-6, 13-15, 11-8
Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera d. Andres Aviles & Pablo Sauma, 8-15, 15-8, 11-6
Juan Torres & Set Cubillos d. Bruno Casalvolone & Felipe Camacho, 15-14, 15-13
12th Annual Duboise Electric Racquetball Pro-Am Classic
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Men's Open Final
Danny Lavely d. Travis Woodbury, 11-9, 11-0, 11-9
Semi-finals
Travis Woodbury d. Brian Watson, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7
Danny Lavely d. C. J. Shaffer, 11-5, 11-0, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Longoria wins 2014 LPRT New Jersey Open
Paola Longoria won her 30th consecutive women's pro event and 41st over.., as she defeated Frédérique Lambert to win the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) New Jersey Open in Warren, N.J., winning 11-6, 11-4, 11-5.
Longoria had leads in both game one and two, but late in game one Longoria switched her serve to a drive Z to the left - Lambert's backhand side - that she hit from a standing position. And that serve was the story of the match, as Lambert really didn't have an effective response to it, so Longoria got the advantage and made it count.
So for the fourth time this season Longoria defeated Lambert, but it was the first time she'd done it in a final, as Lambert was making her 1st career LPRT final appearance.
The New Jersey Open is the first of three LPRT events in March. Their next event is the Great Balls of Fire tournament in Miami, Florida March 21-23, and that will be followed by the Southern California Regionals event in Reseda, California March 28-30.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Final (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria d. 7 Frédérique Lambert, 11-6, 11-4, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria had leads in both game one and two, but late in game one Longoria switched her serve to a drive Z to the left - Lambert's backhand side - that she hit from a standing position. And that serve was the story of the match, as Lambert really didn't have an effective response to it, so Longoria got the advantage and made it count.
So for the fourth time this season Longoria defeated Lambert, but it was the first time she'd done it in a final, as Lambert was making her 1st career LPRT final appearance.
The New Jersey Open is the first of three LPRT events in March. Their next event is the Great Balls of Fire tournament in Miami, Florida March 21-23, and that will be followed by the Southern California Regionals event in Reseda, California March 28-30.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Final (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria d. 7 Frédérique Lambert, 11-6, 11-4, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk wins 2014 IRT Florida Spring Break tournament
Kane Waselenchuk won his 76th International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event by defeating Rocky Carson in the final of the Florida Spring Break tournament in Tampa, Florida, 11-2, 11-5, 11-3. Waselenchuk's 76 wins is the career IRT record.
Waselenchuk played well, but his cause was helped by Carson, who was not sharp. Carson acknowledged that afterwards saying "to not execute when I get chances is frustrating," and it was definitely a frustrating day for Carson.
Waselenchuk won in Florida without losing a game. That was the twenty sixth time he's done that in the last six seasons during which he's won 54 times. So, Waselenchuk's almost 50-50 to win without dropping a game in that period (26 wins without losing a game and 28 with).
There are only two more Tier 1 events left in the 2013-14 IRT season. The IRT's next Tier 1 tournament is the Ektelon In-Shape Open in Stockton, California May 1-4, and that will be followed by the Pro Kennex Tournament of Champions in Portland, Oregon May 15-18.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Final (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk D. 2 Rocky Carson, 11-2, 11-5, 11-3
Follow the bouncing ball….
Waselenchuk played well, but his cause was helped by Carson, who was not sharp. Carson acknowledged that afterwards saying "to not execute when I get chances is frustrating," and it was definitely a frustrating day for Carson.
Waselenchuk won in Florida without losing a game. That was the twenty sixth time he's done that in the last six seasons during which he's won 54 times. So, Waselenchuk's almost 50-50 to win without dropping a game in that period (26 wins without losing a game and 28 with).
There are only two more Tier 1 events left in the 2013-14 IRT season. The IRT's next Tier 1 tournament is the Ektelon In-Shape Open in Stockton, California May 1-4, and that will be followed by the Pro Kennex Tournament of Champions in Portland, Oregon May 15-18.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Final (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk D. 2 Rocky Carson, 11-2, 11-5, 11-3
Follow the bouncing ball….
Saturday, March 8, 2014
IRT 2014 Florida Spring Break - Waselenchuk & Carson win semi-finals
Number one plays number two in the final of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Spring Break tournament in Tampa, Florida, as Kane Waselenchuk, the IRT's #1 player, and Rocky Carson, IRT #2, will meet in Sunday's final after winning their respective semi-finals Saturday.
Both Waselenchuk and Carson won their semis in three straight games against opponents who were surprise semi-finalists. Waselenchuk defeated Tony Carson, who was playing in only his second semi-final, 11-9, 11-3, 11-1, and Rocky Carson - no relation to Tony - defeated Charlie Pratt, playing in his first career semi-final, 11-4, 11-3, 11-7.
Over the past six seasons, Waselenchuk's lost only two completed matches, and neither to Rocky Carson, who does have some victories over Waselenchuk in that span due to injury. However, Waselenchuk's declared himself fully fit, so Carson's task on Sunday is a formidable one.
The IRT Network will have the final action live Sunday at noon EDT.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Semi-finals (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk d. 5 Tony Carson, 11-9, 11-3, 11-1
2 Rocky Carson d. Charlie Pratt, 11-4, 11-3, 11-7
Final
1 Kane Waselenchuk v. 2 Rocky Carson - Noon EDT
Follow the bouncing ball….
Both Waselenchuk and Carson won their semis in three straight games against opponents who were surprise semi-finalists. Waselenchuk defeated Tony Carson, who was playing in only his second semi-final, 11-9, 11-3, 11-1, and Rocky Carson - no relation to Tony - defeated Charlie Pratt, playing in his first career semi-final, 11-4, 11-3, 11-7.
Over the past six seasons, Waselenchuk's lost only two completed matches, and neither to Rocky Carson, who does have some victories over Waselenchuk in that span due to injury. However, Waselenchuk's declared himself fully fit, so Carson's task on Sunday is a formidable one.
The IRT Network will have the final action live Sunday at noon EDT.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Semi-finals (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk d. 5 Tony Carson, 11-9, 11-3, 11-1
2 Rocky Carson d. Charlie Pratt, 11-4, 11-3, 11-7
Final
1 Kane Waselenchuk v. 2 Rocky Carson - Noon EDT
Follow the bouncing ball….
LPRT 2014 New Jersey Open - Longoria & Lambert win semi-finals
Frédérique Lambert has reached her first Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) final, as she knocked off the LPRT #3 Maria Jose Vargas, 11-9, 11-56, 1-11, 7-11, 11-5, in the semi-finals of the New Jersey Open in Warren, N.J. Lambert was playing her third semi-final of the season, and has played more LPRT events this season than in any previous season.
But in the final, Lambert will face the LPRT's #1 player Paola Longoria, who hasn't lost a pro match since May 2011. Longoria defeated Samantha Salas, 11-2, 11-6, 11-3, in the other semi.
Longoria and Lambert have played three times this season, and Longoria won each match in three straight games. If Lambert is victorious Sunday, she'll likely be the first woman to win a pro event by defeating the top three seeds.
The New Jersey Open final will be at noon and broadcast via the LPRT Network.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Semi-finals (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas, 11-2, 11-6, 11-3
7 Frédérique Lambert d. 3 Maria Jose Vargas, 11-9, 11-6, 1-11, 7-11, 11-5
Final
1 Paola Longoria v. 7 Frédérique Lambert - Noon EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
But in the final, Lambert will face the LPRT's #1 player Paola Longoria, who hasn't lost a pro match since May 2011. Longoria defeated Samantha Salas, 11-2, 11-6, 11-3, in the other semi.
Longoria and Lambert have played three times this season, and Longoria won each match in three straight games. If Lambert is victorious Sunday, she'll likely be the first woman to win a pro event by defeating the top three seeds.
The New Jersey Open final will be at noon and broadcast via the LPRT Network.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Semi-finals (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas, 11-2, 11-6, 11-3
7 Frédérique Lambert d. 3 Maria Jose Vargas, 11-9, 11-6, 1-11, 7-11, 11-5
Final
1 Paola Longoria v. 7 Frédérique Lambert - Noon EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
LPRT 2014 New Jersey Open - Lambert upsets Rajsich
Frédérique Lambert knocked off the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour's (LPRT's) #2 player Rhonda Rajsich, 11-6, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9, in the quarter finals off the New Jersey Open to advance to her 3rd semi-final of the season and 3rd of her young career.
In the semis later on Saturday, Lambert, currently ranked 7th on the LPRT, will face LPRT #3 Maria Jose Vargas, as Vargas beat Susana Acosta, 11-8, 11-3, 11-2, in the quarters.
After looking in control in games one and two, Lambert fell behind Rajsich in game three, as the veteran went up 6-3 and got the score to 10-6 with two straight drive serve aces to the left side - Lambert's backhand.
But Lambert held off that first game point, and scored three points of her own to close the gap to 10-9. At that point, Rajsich's nose was bleeding and she had to take 14 min of injury time to make it stop.
Rajsich was able to stop the nose bleed, and she got the serve back when play resumed. However, Lambert did tie the game at 10-10. However, Rajsich held Lambert at 10 and score two consecutive points the game winner coming on another drive serve ace that stuck in the back left corner.
In game four, Lambert again looked in control as she took a 6-2 lead that she extended to 10-3. But credit Rajsich for not giving up and fighting back to close the gap to 10-9, fighting off three match points in the process.
Lambert finally won the match with a forehand cross court after Rajsich had dove to the back wall to keep the ball in play.
In the other two quarter finals, LPRT #1 Paola Longoria dropped the first game against Cheryl Gudinas, then stormed back to win in four, 5-11, 11-0, 11-2, 11-8, and Samantha Salas sweep by Aubrey Kirch, 11-4, 11-3, 11-0.
The New Jersey Open semi-finals are scheduled for 5 PM and 6 PM EST and can be view via the LPRT Network.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Quarter finals (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Cheryl Gudinas, 5-11, 11-0, 11-2, 11-8
4 Samantha Salas d. 12 Aubrey Kirch, 11-4, 11-3, 11-0
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 6 Susana Acosta, 11-8, 11-3, 11-2
7 Frédérique Lambert d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-6, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas - 6 PM EST
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 7 Frédérique Lambert - 5 PM EST
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the semis later on Saturday, Lambert, currently ranked 7th on the LPRT, will face LPRT #3 Maria Jose Vargas, as Vargas beat Susana Acosta, 11-8, 11-3, 11-2, in the quarters.
After looking in control in games one and two, Lambert fell behind Rajsich in game three, as the veteran went up 6-3 and got the score to 10-6 with two straight drive serve aces to the left side - Lambert's backhand.
But Lambert held off that first game point, and scored three points of her own to close the gap to 10-9. At that point, Rajsich's nose was bleeding and she had to take 14 min of injury time to make it stop.
Rajsich was able to stop the nose bleed, and she got the serve back when play resumed. However, Lambert did tie the game at 10-10. However, Rajsich held Lambert at 10 and score two consecutive points the game winner coming on another drive serve ace that stuck in the back left corner.
In game four, Lambert again looked in control as she took a 6-2 lead that she extended to 10-3. But credit Rajsich for not giving up and fighting back to close the gap to 10-9, fighting off three match points in the process.
Lambert finally won the match with a forehand cross court after Rajsich had dove to the back wall to keep the ball in play.
In the other two quarter finals, LPRT #1 Paola Longoria dropped the first game against Cheryl Gudinas, then stormed back to win in four, 5-11, 11-0, 11-2, 11-8, and Samantha Salas sweep by Aubrey Kirch, 11-4, 11-3, 11-0.
The New Jersey Open semi-finals are scheduled for 5 PM and 6 PM EST and can be view via the LPRT Network.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Quarter finals (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Cheryl Gudinas, 5-11, 11-0, 11-2, 11-8
4 Samantha Salas d. 12 Aubrey Kirch, 11-4, 11-3, 11-0
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 6 Susana Acosta, 11-8, 11-3, 11-2
7 Frédérique Lambert d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-6, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas - 6 PM EST
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 7 Frédérique Lambert - 5 PM EST
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, March 7, 2014
IRT 2014 Florida Spring Break Quarter-finals
Two more upsets in the quarter finals at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Spring Break tournament in Tampa, Florida with the 3rd and 4th seeds going out. Charlie Pratt was the big winner, as he beat 3rd seed Alvaro Beltran, 11-3, 8-11, 11-9, 11-4, to reach the semi-finals for the first time in his career.
Tony Carson, the 5th seed, overcame a two game deficit to beat 4th seed Jose Rojas, 8-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7. The win puts Carson in the semis for only the second time in his career, and the first in a little over two years, as he was in the semi-finals of the 2012 San Diego Open (which was Rojas's first tournament win).
Pratt will face IRT #2 Rocky Carson (no relation to Tony) in the semi-finals, as Carson had to fend off a comeback by Daniel De La Rosa, who forced a tie-breaker after going down two games to none. But Carson prevailed 11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 10-12, 11-2.
Kane Waselenchuk, the IRT #1 player, will be Tony Carson's opponent in the semi-finals, as he had little trouble with Marco Rojas (Jose's brother) in the quarters, winning 11-7, 11-3, 11-1. They were toe to toe in game one, as they were tied at almost every point up to 7-7.
Then Waselenchuk won four straight points, and held Rojas to four points total in the next two games.
The IRT Network will have the semi-final action live over the web Saturday beginning at 3 PM EST.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Quarter finals (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk d. Marco Rojas, 11-7, 11-3, 11-1
5 Tony Carson d. 4 Jose Rojas, 8-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7
Charlie Pratt d. 3 Alvaro Beltran, 11-3, 8-11, 11-9, 11-4
2 Rocky Carson d. 7 Daniel De La Rosa, 11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 10-12, 11-2
Semi-finals
1 Kane Waselenchuk v. 5 Tony Carson - 5 PM EST
2 Rocky Carson v. Charlie Pratt - 3 PM EST
Follow the bouncing ball….
Tony Carson, the 5th seed, overcame a two game deficit to beat 4th seed Jose Rojas, 8-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7. The win puts Carson in the semis for only the second time in his career, and the first in a little over two years, as he was in the semi-finals of the 2012 San Diego Open (which was Rojas's first tournament win).
Pratt will face IRT #2 Rocky Carson (no relation to Tony) in the semi-finals, as Carson had to fend off a comeback by Daniel De La Rosa, who forced a tie-breaker after going down two games to none. But Carson prevailed 11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 10-12, 11-2.
Kane Waselenchuk, the IRT #1 player, will be Tony Carson's opponent in the semi-finals, as he had little trouble with Marco Rojas (Jose's brother) in the quarters, winning 11-7, 11-3, 11-1. They were toe to toe in game one, as they were tied at almost every point up to 7-7.
Then Waselenchuk won four straight points, and held Rojas to four points total in the next two games.
The IRT Network will have the semi-final action live over the web Saturday beginning at 3 PM EST.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Quarter finals (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk d. Marco Rojas, 11-7, 11-3, 11-1
5 Tony Carson d. 4 Jose Rojas, 8-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7
Charlie Pratt d. 3 Alvaro Beltran, 11-3, 8-11, 11-9, 11-4
2 Rocky Carson d. 7 Daniel De La Rosa, 11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 10-12, 11-2
Semi-finals
1 Kane Waselenchuk v. 5 Tony Carson - 5 PM EST
2 Rocky Carson v. Charlie Pratt - 3 PM EST
Follow the bouncing ball….
LPRT New Jersey Open Round of 16
American Aubrey Kirch continues to impress on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT), as she upset LPRT #5 Cristina Amaya, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9, in the Round of 16 at the New Jersey Open in Warren, N.J. She'll play Samantha Salas Solis in the quarters on Saturday, as Salas Solis defeated Jennifer Saunders in the 16s, 13-11, 11-5, 11-3.
LPRT #1 Paola Longoria chalked up another victory, as she defeated Carla Muñoz, 11-3, 11-5, 11-0. Longoria will play Cheryl Gudinas in the quarters, as Gudinas defeated Da'monique Davis in the 8/9 game, 11-8, 9-11, 4-11, 11-2, 11-3.
No upsets on the bottom of the draw, and only one match went more than three games, as 7th seed Frédérique Lambert needed four games to defeat 10th seed Veronica Sotomayor, 5-11, 11-2, 11-2, 11-3. Lambert will face LPRT #2 Rhonda Rajsich in the quarters, as Rajsich beat Maria Paz Muñoz, 12-10, 11-9, 11-2, in the 16s on Friday.
The New Jersey Open quarter finals can be viewed live on line via the LPRT Network. The first two quarter final matches are at 11 AM EST with the next two at noon. The semi-finals are scheduled for 5 PM and 6 PM EST.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Round of 16 (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria d. 16 Carla Muñoz, 11-3, 11-5, 11-0
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 8 Da'monique Davis, 11-8, 9-11, 4-11, 11-2, 11-3
12 Aubrey Kirch d. 5 Cristina Amaya, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Jennifer Saunders, 13-11, 11-5, 11-3
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 14 Sofia Rascon, 11-0, 11-0, 11-6
6 Susana Acosta d. 11 Adrienne Haynes, 11-4, 11-1, 11-7
7 Frédérique Lambert d. 10 Veronica Sotomayor, 5-11, 11-2, 11-2, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 15 Maria Paz Muñoz, 12-10, 11-9, 11-2
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Cheryl Gudinas
4 Samantha Salas v. 12 Aubrey Kirch
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 6 Susana Acosta
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 7 Frédérique Lambert
Follow the bouncing ball....
LPRT #1 Paola Longoria chalked up another victory, as she defeated Carla Muñoz, 11-3, 11-5, 11-0. Longoria will play Cheryl Gudinas in the quarters, as Gudinas defeated Da'monique Davis in the 8/9 game, 11-8, 9-11, 4-11, 11-2, 11-3.
No upsets on the bottom of the draw, and only one match went more than three games, as 7th seed Frédérique Lambert needed four games to defeat 10th seed Veronica Sotomayor, 5-11, 11-2, 11-2, 11-3. Lambert will face LPRT #2 Rhonda Rajsich in the quarters, as Rajsich beat Maria Paz Muñoz, 12-10, 11-9, 11-2, in the 16s on Friday.
The New Jersey Open quarter finals can be viewed live on line via the LPRT Network. The first two quarter final matches are at 11 AM EST with the next two at noon. The semi-finals are scheduled for 5 PM and 6 PM EST.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Round of 16 (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria d. 16 Carla Muñoz, 11-3, 11-5, 11-0
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 8 Da'monique Davis, 11-8, 9-11, 4-11, 11-2, 11-3
12 Aubrey Kirch d. 5 Cristina Amaya, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Jennifer Saunders, 13-11, 11-5, 11-3
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 14 Sofia Rascon, 11-0, 11-0, 11-6
6 Susana Acosta d. 11 Adrienne Haynes, 11-4, 11-1, 11-7
7 Frédérique Lambert d. 10 Veronica Sotomayor, 5-11, 11-2, 11-2, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 15 Maria Paz Muñoz, 12-10, 11-9, 11-2
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Cheryl Gudinas
4 Samantha Salas v. 12 Aubrey Kirch
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 6 Susana Acosta
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 7 Frédérique Lambert
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT Florida Spring Break Round of 16
Two big upsets in the Round of 16 at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Spring Break tournament in Tampa, Florida, as the 6th and 8th seeds were defeated.
Marco Rojas defeated 8th seed Chris Crowther in 11-13, 11-1, 2-11, 11-2, 11-2, and Charlie Pratt got the better of 6th seed Ben Croft, 6-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 11-6. Pratt and Croft played last weekend in the final of the Carl Myers Memorial in Garden City, Kansas with Croft coming out on top, but Pratt might have learned something from that encounter that he was able to use today.
Also, more props to Nolsen Jimenez Garcia, who's a player from Cuba - perhaps the only player from Cuba, as he got a game off of IRT #3 Alvaro Beltran before losing the next three, 11-13, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4. Garcia is no slouch - lightning fast and a winner against Canadian Lee Connell at a tournament in Canada last month.
The IRT Network will have the quarter final action live over the web beginning on Friday 3 PM EST.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Round of 16 (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-4, 11-4, 11-1
Marco Rojas d. 8 Chris Crowther, 11-13, 11-1, 2-11, 11-2, 11-2
5 Tony Carson v. Alex Ackermann
4 Jose Rojas d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 11-0, 11-3, 11-7
3 Alvaro Beltran d. Nolsen Jimenez Garcia, 11-13, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4
Charlie Pratt d. 6 Ben Croft, 6-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 11-6
7 Daniel De La Rosa d. Jansen Allen, 9-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-7
2 Rocky Carson d. Sebastian Franco, 11-4, 11-1, 11-1
Quarter finals
1 Kane Waselenchuk v. Marco Rojas
4 Jose Rojas v. 5 Tony Carson or Alex Ackermann
3 Alvaro Beltran v. Charlie Pratt
2 Rocky Carson v. 7 Daniel De La Rosa
Follow the bouncing ball….
Marco Rojas defeated 8th seed Chris Crowther in 11-13, 11-1, 2-11, 11-2, 11-2, and Charlie Pratt got the better of 6th seed Ben Croft, 6-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 11-6. Pratt and Croft played last weekend in the final of the Carl Myers Memorial in Garden City, Kansas with Croft coming out on top, but Pratt might have learned something from that encounter that he was able to use today.
Also, more props to Nolsen Jimenez Garcia, who's a player from Cuba - perhaps the only player from Cuba, as he got a game off of IRT #3 Alvaro Beltran before losing the next three, 11-13, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4. Garcia is no slouch - lightning fast and a winner against Canadian Lee Connell at a tournament in Canada last month.
The IRT Network will have the quarter final action live over the web beginning on Friday 3 PM EST.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Round of 16 (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-4, 11-4, 11-1
Marco Rojas d. 8 Chris Crowther, 11-13, 11-1, 2-11, 11-2, 11-2
5 Tony Carson v. Alex Ackermann
4 Jose Rojas d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 11-0, 11-3, 11-7
3 Alvaro Beltran d. Nolsen Jimenez Garcia, 11-13, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4
Charlie Pratt d. 6 Ben Croft, 6-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 11-6
7 Daniel De La Rosa d. Jansen Allen, 9-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-7
2 Rocky Carson d. Sebastian Franco, 11-4, 11-1, 11-1
Quarter finals
1 Kane Waselenchuk v. Marco Rojas
4 Jose Rojas v. 5 Tony Carson or Alex Ackermann
3 Alvaro Beltran v. Charlie Pratt
2 Rocky Carson v. 7 Daniel De La Rosa
Follow the bouncing ball….
LPRT 2014 New Jersey Open Round of 32
The Round of 32 is complete at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour's (LPRT's) New Jersey Open in Warren, N.J., and there were no upsets, which is somewhat surprising given what's happened in recent events where just about every round has had a significant upset.
But it's run true to form so far in Warren, which isn't to say that it's been easy for the higher seeds. Two matches went tie-breaker. Veronica Sotomayor need five games to fend off Jessica Parrilla, 9-11, 11-1, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8, and Sofia Rascon came back from 2-1 down to defeat Linda Scales, 11-4, 1-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-4.
Also going to tie-breaker was the All-American battle of Aubrey Kirch and Michelle Key with Kirch coming out on top, 11-9, 2-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9, and Jennifer Saunders's victory over Sheryl Lotts, 5-11, 11-8, 11-3, 8-11, 11-6.
The top five seeds had byes in the 32s, but they'll be in action in the Round of 16, when LPRT #1 Paola Longoria will try to extend her winning streak against Carla Muñoz, who beat Hailey Miller in the 32s, 8-11, 11-1, 11-3, 11-8.
The New Jersey Open can be viewed live on line via the LPRT Network. The quarter final matches begin at 5 PM EST and run on the hour until 8 PM EST (start time).
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Round of 32 (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria - 32 BYE
16 Carla Muñoz d. 17 Hailey Miller, 8-11, 11-1, 11-3, 11-8
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 24 Cecilia Orozco, 11-4, 11-2, 11-0
8 Da'monique Davis d. 25 Kelly Gremley, 11-5, 11-7, 11-2
5 Cristina Amaya - 28 BYE
12 Aubrey Kirch d. 21 Michelle Key, 11-9, 2-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9
13 Jennifer Saunders d. 20 Sheryl Lotts, 5-11, 11-8, 11-3, 8-11, 11-6
4 Samantha Salas - 29 BYE
3 Maria Jose Vargas - 30 BYE
14 Sofia Rascon d. 19 Linda Scales, 11-4, 1-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-4
11 Adrienne Haynes d. 22 Carolina Luque, 11-3, 11-3, 11-0
6 Susana Acosta d. 27 Masiel Rivera, 11-6, 5-11, 13-11, 11-2
7 Frédérique Lambert d. 26 Kimberly Ferina, default
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 23 Jessica Parilla, 9-11, 11-1, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8
15 Maria Paz Muñoz d. 18 T.J. Baumbaugh, 11-6, 11-2, 11-4
2 Rhonda Rajsich - 31 BYE
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 16 Carla Muñoz
8 Da'monique Davis v. 9 Cheryl Gudinas
5 Cristina Amaya v. 12 Aubrey Kirch
4 Samantha Salas v. 13 Jennifer Saunders
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 14 Sofia Rascon
6 Susana Acosta v. 11 Adrienne Haynes
7 Frédérique Lambert v. 10 Veronica Sotomayor
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 15 Maria Paz Muñoz
Follow the bouncing ball....
But it's run true to form so far in Warren, which isn't to say that it's been easy for the higher seeds. Two matches went tie-breaker. Veronica Sotomayor need five games to fend off Jessica Parrilla, 9-11, 11-1, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8, and Sofia Rascon came back from 2-1 down to defeat Linda Scales, 11-4, 1-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-4.
Also going to tie-breaker was the All-American battle of Aubrey Kirch and Michelle Key with Kirch coming out on top, 11-9, 2-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9, and Jennifer Saunders's victory over Sheryl Lotts, 5-11, 11-8, 11-3, 8-11, 11-6.
The top five seeds had byes in the 32s, but they'll be in action in the Round of 16, when LPRT #1 Paola Longoria will try to extend her winning streak against Carla Muñoz, who beat Hailey Miller in the 32s, 8-11, 11-1, 11-3, 11-8.
The New Jersey Open can be viewed live on line via the LPRT Network. The quarter final matches begin at 5 PM EST and run on the hour until 8 PM EST (start time).
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Round of 32 (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria - 32 BYE
16 Carla Muñoz d. 17 Hailey Miller, 8-11, 11-1, 11-3, 11-8
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 24 Cecilia Orozco, 11-4, 11-2, 11-0
8 Da'monique Davis d. 25 Kelly Gremley, 11-5, 11-7, 11-2
5 Cristina Amaya - 28 BYE
12 Aubrey Kirch d. 21 Michelle Key, 11-9, 2-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9
13 Jennifer Saunders d. 20 Sheryl Lotts, 5-11, 11-8, 11-3, 8-11, 11-6
4 Samantha Salas - 29 BYE
3 Maria Jose Vargas - 30 BYE
14 Sofia Rascon d. 19 Linda Scales, 11-4, 1-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-4
11 Adrienne Haynes d. 22 Carolina Luque, 11-3, 11-3, 11-0
6 Susana Acosta d. 27 Masiel Rivera, 11-6, 5-11, 13-11, 11-2
7 Frédérique Lambert d. 26 Kimberly Ferina, default
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 23 Jessica Parilla, 9-11, 11-1, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8
15 Maria Paz Muñoz d. 18 T.J. Baumbaugh, 11-6, 11-2, 11-4
2 Rhonda Rajsich - 31 BYE
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 16 Carla Muñoz
8 Da'monique Davis v. 9 Cheryl Gudinas
5 Cristina Amaya v. 12 Aubrey Kirch
4 Samantha Salas v. 13 Jennifer Saunders
3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 14 Sofia Rascon
6 Susana Acosta v. 11 Adrienne Haynes
7 Frédérique Lambert v. 10 Veronica Sotomayor
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 15 Maria Paz Muñoz
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT Florida Spring Break - Preliminary Results
Results from the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Spring Break tournament in Tampa, Florida are in, and in the 'we told you so' department the two matches that went tie-breaker were the two that we'd highlighted in our preview.
Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimizu and Florida stalwart Mike Harmon went five, and Shimizu came out on top: 5-11, 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3. He'll play IRT #4 Jose Rojas in the Round of 16 this morning.
Also, Sebastian Franco needed five games to defeat left-hander Tom Fuhrmann, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7, 11-13, 11-2, and move on to the 16s where he'll face IRT #2 Rocky Carson.
Finally, props to Nolsen Jimenez Garcia, who won three matches on Thursday, each one in three straight games, to advance to the 16s, where IRT #3 Alvaro Beltran awaits him.
The IRT Network will carry the Round of 16 action live over the web beginning on Friday 9 AM EST.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Preliminary Round 1
Gerardo Guevara d. Pablo Sauma, 11-2, 11-6, 11-4
Nolsen Jimenez Garcia d. Jose Ubilla, 11-3, 11-5, 11-4
Preliminary Round 2
Andres Aviles d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-6, 11-2, 10-12, 11-1
Alejandro Herrera d. Bruno Casalvolve, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4
Joe Workman d. Set Cubillos, 7-11, 11-1, 11-9, 11-7
Jose Daniel Ugalde d. Juan Carlos Torres, 9-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-4
Hiroshi Shimizu d. Gerardo Guevara, 11-4, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8
Mike Harmon d. Nick Hand, 11-0, 11-9, 11-1
Andrew Depiro d. Andree Parrilla, fft
Nolsen Jimenez Garcia d. Robert Collins, 11-1, 11-8, 11-3
Cesar Castillo d. Scot Gargasz, 11-9, 11-6, 14-12
Alexander Barch d. David Stincer, 12-10, 12-10, 9-11, 11-4
Tom Fuhrmann d. Destry Everhart, 11-4, 11-1, 11-1
Sebastian Franco d. Wesley Miller, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4
Preliminary Round 3
Q8: Alejandro Herrera d. Andres Aviles, 9-11, 12-10, 11-4, 11-8
Q1: Marco Rojas d. Joe Workman, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4
Q4: Alex Ackermann d. Jose Daniel Ugalde, 11-0, 11-9, 11-2
Q5: Hiroshi Shimizu d. Mike Harmon, 5-11, 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3
Q6: Nolsen Jimenez Garcia d. Andrew Depiro, 11-0, 11-0, 11-2
Q3: Charlie Pratt d. Cesar Castillo, 11-4, 11-3, 11-6
Q2: Jansen Allen d. Alexander Barch, 11-1, 11-0, 11-1
Q7: Sebastian Franco d. Tom Fuhrmann, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7, 11-13, 11-2
Main Draw of 16 (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk v. Alejandro Herrera
8 Chris Crowther v. Marco Rojas
5 Tony Carson v. Alex Ackermann
4 Jose Rojas v. Hiroshi Shimizu
3 Alvaro Beltran v. Nolsen Jimenez Garcia
6 Ben Croft v. Charlie Pratt
7 Daniel De La Rosa v. Jansen Allen
2 Rocky Carson v. Sebastian Franco
Follow the bouncing ball….
Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimizu and Florida stalwart Mike Harmon went five, and Shimizu came out on top: 5-11, 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3. He'll play IRT #4 Jose Rojas in the Round of 16 this morning.
Also, Sebastian Franco needed five games to defeat left-hander Tom Fuhrmann, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7, 11-13, 11-2, and move on to the 16s where he'll face IRT #2 Rocky Carson.
Finally, props to Nolsen Jimenez Garcia, who won three matches on Thursday, each one in three straight games, to advance to the 16s, where IRT #3 Alvaro Beltran awaits him.
The IRT Network will carry the Round of 16 action live over the web beginning on Friday 9 AM EST.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Preliminary Round 1
Gerardo Guevara d. Pablo Sauma, 11-2, 11-6, 11-4
Nolsen Jimenez Garcia d. Jose Ubilla, 11-3, 11-5, 11-4
Preliminary Round 2
Andres Aviles d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-6, 11-2, 10-12, 11-1
Alejandro Herrera d. Bruno Casalvolve, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4
Joe Workman d. Set Cubillos, 7-11, 11-1, 11-9, 11-7
Jose Daniel Ugalde d. Juan Carlos Torres, 9-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-4
Hiroshi Shimizu d. Gerardo Guevara, 11-4, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8
Mike Harmon d. Nick Hand, 11-0, 11-9, 11-1
Andrew Depiro d. Andree Parrilla, fft
Nolsen Jimenez Garcia d. Robert Collins, 11-1, 11-8, 11-3
Cesar Castillo d. Scot Gargasz, 11-9, 11-6, 14-12
Alexander Barch d. David Stincer, 12-10, 12-10, 9-11, 11-4
Tom Fuhrmann d. Destry Everhart, 11-4, 11-1, 11-1
Sebastian Franco d. Wesley Miller, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4
Preliminary Round 3
Q8: Alejandro Herrera d. Andres Aviles, 9-11, 12-10, 11-4, 11-8
Q1: Marco Rojas d. Joe Workman, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4
Q4: Alex Ackermann d. Jose Daniel Ugalde, 11-0, 11-9, 11-2
Q5: Hiroshi Shimizu d. Mike Harmon, 5-11, 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3
Q6: Nolsen Jimenez Garcia d. Andrew Depiro, 11-0, 11-0, 11-2
Q3: Charlie Pratt d. Cesar Castillo, 11-4, 11-3, 11-6
Q2: Jansen Allen d. Alexander Barch, 11-1, 11-0, 11-1
Q7: Sebastian Franco d. Tom Fuhrmann, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7, 11-13, 11-2
Main Draw of 16 (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk v. Alejandro Herrera
8 Chris Crowther v. Marco Rojas
5 Tony Carson v. Alex Ackermann
4 Jose Rojas v. Hiroshi Shimizu
3 Alvaro Beltran v. Nolsen Jimenez Garcia
6 Ben Croft v. Charlie Pratt
7 Daniel De La Rosa v. Jansen Allen
2 Rocky Carson v. Sebastian Franco
Follow the bouncing ball….
Thursday, March 6, 2014
LPRT - 2014 New Jersey Open Preview
The Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour's (LPRT's) New Jersey Open is on this weekend in Warren, N.J., and the draw is stacked with talent, as 19 of the LPRT's top 20 players are there. Thus, there will be plenty of good matches.
That should start right off the bat, as Veronica Sotomayor takes on Jessica Parrilla and Aubrey Kirch goes up against Michelle Key in an All-American contest.
It does get any easier for the winners of those matches, as Sotomayor or Parrilla will likely take on Frédérique Lambert and Kirch or Key will be up against Cristina Amaya.
Of course, LPRT #1 Paola Longoria will try to win another event and push her winning streak just a little further. Rhonda Rajsich - LPRT #2 - would dearly love to end that streak, but last time out she didn't get the chance, as LPRT #3 Maria Jose Vargas beat her in the semi-finals. They could meet in the semis again in New Jersey.
All in all it should be an exciting weekend of racquetball in Warren, and you can see some of the action from the New Jersey Open via the LPRT Network.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Round of 32 (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria - 32 BYE
16 Carla Muñoz v. 17 Hailey Miller
9 Cheryl Gudinas v. 24 Cecilia Orozco
8 Da'monique Davis v. 25 Kelly Gremley
5 Cristina Amaya - 28 BYE
12 Aubrey Kirch v. 21 Michelle Key
13 Jennifer Saunders v. 20 Sheryl Lotts
4 Samantha Salas - 29 BYE
3 Maria Jose Vargas - 30 BYE
14 Sofia Rascon v. 19 Linda Scales
11 Adrienne Haynes v. 22 Carolina Luque
6 Susana Acosta v. 27 Masiel Rivera
7 Frédérique Lambert v. 26 Kimberly Ferina
10 Veronica Sotomayor v. 23 Jessica Parilla
15 Maria Paz Muñoz v. 18 T.J. Baumbaugh
2 Rhonda Rajsich - 31 BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
That should start right off the bat, as Veronica Sotomayor takes on Jessica Parrilla and Aubrey Kirch goes up against Michelle Key in an All-American contest.
It does get any easier for the winners of those matches, as Sotomayor or Parrilla will likely take on Frédérique Lambert and Kirch or Key will be up against Cristina Amaya.
Of course, LPRT #1 Paola Longoria will try to win another event and push her winning streak just a little further. Rhonda Rajsich - LPRT #2 - would dearly love to end that streak, but last time out she didn't get the chance, as LPRT #3 Maria Jose Vargas beat her in the semi-finals. They could meet in the semis again in New Jersey.
All in all it should be an exciting weekend of racquetball in Warren, and you can see some of the action from the New Jersey Open via the LPRT Network.
New Jersey Open, Warren, New Jersey
Round of 32 (seeding)
1 Paola Longoria - 32 BYE
16 Carla Muñoz v. 17 Hailey Miller
9 Cheryl Gudinas v. 24 Cecilia Orozco
8 Da'monique Davis v. 25 Kelly Gremley
5 Cristina Amaya - 28 BYE
12 Aubrey Kirch v. 21 Michelle Key
13 Jennifer Saunders v. 20 Sheryl Lotts
4 Samantha Salas - 29 BYE
3 Maria Jose Vargas - 30 BYE
14 Sofia Rascon v. 19 Linda Scales
11 Adrienne Haynes v. 22 Carolina Luque
6 Susana Acosta v. 27 Masiel Rivera
7 Frédérique Lambert v. 26 Kimberly Ferina
10 Veronica Sotomayor v. 23 Jessica Parilla
15 Maria Paz Muñoz v. 18 T.J. Baumbaugh
2 Rhonda Rajsich - 31 BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT - 2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am Preview
The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is back in action this weekend with the Florida Spring Break Pro-Am tournament in Tampa, Florida. Thirty eight players are in the draw, including all of the top 10 players.
There will be three rounds of qualifying on Thursday to set up the Round fo 16 on Friday. The most interesting potential qualifying match could be Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimizu and Florida stalwart Mike Harmon, though they both have to win a match to set up that showdown.
Left-hander Tom Fuhrmann, who was runner up at the US National Doubles Championship with Ben Croft, will likely play Sebastian Franco in the final round of qualifying in what could be another good match up. The winner to move on to the Round of 16 against IRT #2 Rocky Carson.
The IRT Network will carry the action live over the web beginning on Thursday afternoon.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Preliminary Round 1
Gerardo Guevara v. Pablo Sauma
Nolsen Jimenez Garcia v. Jose Ubilla
Preliminary Round 2
Francisco Troncoso v. Andres Aviles
Alejandro Herrera v. Bruno Casalvolve
Joe Workman v. Set Cubillos
Jose Daniel Ugalde v. Juan Carlos Torres
Hiroshi Shimizu v. Gerardo Guevara or Pablo Sauma
Mike Harmon v. Nick Hand
Andree Parrilla v. Andrew Depiro
Robert Collins v. Nolsen Jimenez Garcia or Jose Ubilla
Cesar Castillo v. Scot Gargasz
David Stincer v. Alexander Barch
Tom Fuhrmann v. Destry Everhart
Sebastian Franco v. Wesley Miller
Preliminary Round 3
Q8: Francisco Troncoso or Andres Aviles v. Alejandro Herrera or Bruno Casalvolve
Q1: Marco Rojas v. Joe Workman or Set Cubillos
Q4: Alex Ackermann v. Jose Daniel Ugalde or Juan Carlos Torres
Q5: Hiroshi Shimizu or Gerardo Guevara or Pablo Sauma v. Mike Harmon or Nick Hand
Q6: Andree Parrilla or Andrew Depiro v. Robert Collins or Nolsen Jimenez Garcia or Jose Ubilla
Q3: Charlie Pratt v. Cesar Castillo or Scot Gargasz
Q2: Jansen Allen v. David Stincer or Alexander Barch
Q7: Tom Fuhrmann or Destry Everhart v. Sebastian Franco or Wesley Miller
Main Draw of 16 (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
8 Chris Crowther v. Q1
5 Tony Carson v. Q4
4 Jose Rojas v. Q5
3 Alvaro Beltran v. Q6
6 Ben Croft v. Q3
7 Daniel De La Rosa v. Q2
2 Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball….
There will be three rounds of qualifying on Thursday to set up the Round fo 16 on Friday. The most interesting potential qualifying match could be Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimizu and Florida stalwart Mike Harmon, though they both have to win a match to set up that showdown.
Left-hander Tom Fuhrmann, who was runner up at the US National Doubles Championship with Ben Croft, will likely play Sebastian Franco in the final round of qualifying in what could be another good match up. The winner to move on to the Round of 16 against IRT #2 Rocky Carson.
The IRT Network will carry the action live over the web beginning on Thursday afternoon.
2014 Florida Spring Break Pro-Am
Tampa, Florida
Preliminary Round 1
Gerardo Guevara v. Pablo Sauma
Nolsen Jimenez Garcia v. Jose Ubilla
Preliminary Round 2
Francisco Troncoso v. Andres Aviles
Alejandro Herrera v. Bruno Casalvolve
Joe Workman v. Set Cubillos
Jose Daniel Ugalde v. Juan Carlos Torres
Hiroshi Shimizu v. Gerardo Guevara or Pablo Sauma
Mike Harmon v. Nick Hand
Andree Parrilla v. Andrew Depiro
Robert Collins v. Nolsen Jimenez Garcia or Jose Ubilla
Cesar Castillo v. Scot Gargasz
David Stincer v. Alexander Barch
Tom Fuhrmann v. Destry Everhart
Sebastian Franco v. Wesley Miller
Preliminary Round 3
Q8: Francisco Troncoso or Andres Aviles v. Alejandro Herrera or Bruno Casalvolve
Q1: Marco Rojas v. Joe Workman or Set Cubillos
Q4: Alex Ackermann v. Jose Daniel Ugalde or Juan Carlos Torres
Q5: Hiroshi Shimizu or Gerardo Guevara or Pablo Sauma v. Mike Harmon or Nick Hand
Q6: Andree Parrilla or Andrew Depiro v. Robert Collins or Nolsen Jimenez Garcia or Jose Ubilla
Q3: Charlie Pratt v. Cesar Castillo or Scot Gargasz
Q2: Jansen Allen v. David Stincer or Alexander Barch
Q7: Tom Fuhrmann or Destry Everhart v. Sebastian Franco or Wesley Miller
Main Draw of 16 (with seeding)
1 Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
8 Chris Crowther v. Q1
5 Tony Carson v. Q4
4 Jose Rojas v. Q5
3 Alvaro Beltran v. Q6
6 Ben Croft v. Q3
7 Daniel De La Rosa v. Q2
2 Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball….
Monday, March 3, 2014
Weekend Round Up - 1st ever racquetball tournament in India
There were a few racquetball events on the weekend, but none with more significance going forward than the Lanco Hills India Open in Hyderbad, India, as it's the first ever racquetball event in India. It could be the start of something big if racquetball can catch on in India.
Thirty nine players competed across six divisions, including an 18 and under division. In the Men's Open division, Raaj Mohan came out on top by defeating Srikaran Kandadai in the final, 15-8, 15-7.
In the semi-finals, Mohan beat Srikanth Murthy, 15-6, 15-2, and Kandadai defeated Chacko Cherian, 15-14, 15-9.
With the Olympics last month, many people were talking about why racquetball isn't in the Olympics, and one of the primary reasons is that racquetball isn't played in enough countries. Thus, the first ever racquetball tournament in India is a step towards growing the game in a new country, and it's exciting.
Meanwhile, back in the USA
Ben Croft won the 8th Annual Carl Myers Memorial Tournament - a Tier 2 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event - in Garden City, Kansas, but it wasn't an easy victory, as Charlie Pratt pushed Croft to five games before the IRT's #5 player came out on top, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6.
Pratt played two close matches to get to the final, as he needed a tie-breaker to get past Felipe Camacho in the quarter-finals, 11-7, 7-11, 11-2, 9-11, 11-5, and then beat Jansen Allen in three close games, 12-10, 11-9, 11-7, in the semi-finals. Croft defeated Brad Schopieray, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6, in the other semi.
Polo Gutierrez won the Pleasanton Open in Pleasanton, Calif. - a World Racquetball Tour event, as he defeated Alejandro Cardona, 15-10, 15-6, in the final. Gutierrez beat Jake Bredenbeck, 15-6, 15-7, in one semi-final while Cardona beat Anthony Herrera, 15-13, 15-6, in the other.
Lanco Hills India Open - Hyderbad, India
Men's Open - Final
Raaj Mohan d. Srikaran Kandadai, 15-8, 15-7.
Semi-finals
Raaj Mohan d. Srikanth Murthy, 15-6, 15-2
Srikaran Kandadai d. Chacko Cherian, 15-14, 15-9
8th Annual Carl Myers Memorial Tournament - Garden City, Kansas
Final
Ben Croft d. Charlie Pratt, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6
Semi-finals
Ben Croft d. Brad Schopieray, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6
Charlie Pratt d. Jansen Allen, 12-10, 11-9, 11-7
Quarter-finals
Ben Croft d. Tyler Stone
Brad Schopieray d. Thomas Fuhrmann, 11-3, 11-1, 11-3
Charlie Pratt d. Felipe Camacho, 11-7, 7-11, 11-2, 9-11, 11-5
Jansen Allen d. Logan Reese, 11-1, 11-4, 11-2
2014 Pleasanton Open, Pleasanton, California
Final
Polo Gutierrez d. Alejandro Cardona, 15-10, 15-6
Semi-finals
Polo Gutierrez d. Jake Bredenbeck, 15-6, 15-7
Alejandro Cardona d. Anthony Herrera, 15-13, 15-6
Quarter-finals
Polo Gutierrez d. Coby Iwaasa, 15-8, 15-11
Jake Bredenbeck d. David Horn, 15-12, 15-13
Anthony Herrera d. Brad Kirch, 15-12, 15-9
Alejandro Cardona d. Nicolai Miramontes, 15-6, 15-10
Follow the bouncing ball….
Thirty nine players competed across six divisions, including an 18 and under division. In the Men's Open division, Raaj Mohan came out on top by defeating Srikaran Kandadai in the final, 15-8, 15-7.
In the semi-finals, Mohan beat Srikanth Murthy, 15-6, 15-2, and Kandadai defeated Chacko Cherian, 15-14, 15-9.
With the Olympics last month, many people were talking about why racquetball isn't in the Olympics, and one of the primary reasons is that racquetball isn't played in enough countries. Thus, the first ever racquetball tournament in India is a step towards growing the game in a new country, and it's exciting.
Meanwhile, back in the USA
Ben Croft won the 8th Annual Carl Myers Memorial Tournament - a Tier 2 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event - in Garden City, Kansas, but it wasn't an easy victory, as Charlie Pratt pushed Croft to five games before the IRT's #5 player came out on top, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6.
Pratt played two close matches to get to the final, as he needed a tie-breaker to get past Felipe Camacho in the quarter-finals, 11-7, 7-11, 11-2, 9-11, 11-5, and then beat Jansen Allen in three close games, 12-10, 11-9, 11-7, in the semi-finals. Croft defeated Brad Schopieray, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6, in the other semi.
Polo Gutierrez won the Pleasanton Open in Pleasanton, Calif. - a World Racquetball Tour event, as he defeated Alejandro Cardona, 15-10, 15-6, in the final. Gutierrez beat Jake Bredenbeck, 15-6, 15-7, in one semi-final while Cardona beat Anthony Herrera, 15-13, 15-6, in the other.
Lanco Hills India Open - Hyderbad, India
Men's Open - Final
Raaj Mohan d. Srikaran Kandadai, 15-8, 15-7.
Semi-finals
Raaj Mohan d. Srikanth Murthy, 15-6, 15-2
Srikaran Kandadai d. Chacko Cherian, 15-14, 15-9
8th Annual Carl Myers Memorial Tournament - Garden City, Kansas
Final
Ben Croft d. Charlie Pratt, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6
Semi-finals
Ben Croft d. Brad Schopieray, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6
Charlie Pratt d. Jansen Allen, 12-10, 11-9, 11-7
Quarter-finals
Ben Croft d. Tyler Stone
Brad Schopieray d. Thomas Fuhrmann, 11-3, 11-1, 11-3
Charlie Pratt d. Felipe Camacho, 11-7, 7-11, 11-2, 9-11, 11-5
Jansen Allen d. Logan Reese, 11-1, 11-4, 11-2
2014 Pleasanton Open, Pleasanton, California
Final
Polo Gutierrez d. Alejandro Cardona, 15-10, 15-6
Semi-finals
Polo Gutierrez d. Jake Bredenbeck, 15-6, 15-7
Alejandro Cardona d. Anthony Herrera, 15-13, 15-6
Quarter-finals
Polo Gutierrez d. Coby Iwaasa, 15-8, 15-11
Jake Bredenbeck d. David Horn, 15-12, 15-13
Anthony Herrera d. Brad Kirch, 15-12, 15-9
Alejandro Cardona d. Nicolai Miramontes, 15-6, 15-10
Follow the bouncing ball….
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