The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) is back in action this weekend with the Midwest Championships in Minneapolis. Polo Gutierrez is the top seed, with Alejandro Cardona and Jake Bredenbeck the 2nd and 3rd seeds, respectively. Bredenbeck is a Minnesota native, so he's playing at home, which means he'll want to do well this weekend.
Also in the draw is veteran Cliff Swain, who will likely face 5th seed Anthony Herrera in the Round of 16. That will be a tricky match for Herrera.
As per usual, the draw has a very international flavour with several players who have been on their respective national teams, including Jose Daniel Ugalde, Francisco Troncoso, David Horn, Jose Daniel Alvarez, Fernando Rios, Mario Mercado, as well as Gutierrez and Bredenbeck.
The action will be live streamed beginning with the quarterfinals on Saturday at 10 AM. Look for a link on the WRT Facebook page.
WRT 2015 Midwest Championships
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Round of 32
1) Polo Gutierrez - BYE
16) Shawn Merrill v. 17) Brian Pearson
9) Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE
8) Francisco Troncoso - BYE
5) Anthony Herrera - BYE
12) Cliff Swain v. 21) Roberto Leyes
13) John Goth v. 20) Travis Mettenbrink
4) David Horn - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
14) Brent Walters v. 19) Alejandro Romo
11) Jose Daniel Alvarez - BYE
6) Jaime Martell - BYE
7) Fernando Rios - BYE
10) Mario Mercado - BYE
15) Lee Meinerz v. 18) Darrin Prince
2) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. 8) Brian Pearson & Salamone
4) Mario Mercado & Francisco Troncoso v. 5) John Goth & Alejandro Romo
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Fernando Rios v. 6) Lee Meinerz & Shawn Merrill
2) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 7) Travis Mettenbrink & Brent Walters
Follow the bouncing ball….
Thursday, April 30, 2015
IRT Krowning Moment Preview
This weekend’s Krowning Moment Pro Invitational in Edinburg, Texas - this weekend’s International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event - was only announced a short time ago, which may explain the small draw, as there are only 17 players in Edinburg.
The event essentially fills in the schedule for the cancelled Stockton event, and it does have most of the top 10 players in action. Ben Croft is the biggest absence, and we’ve heard a rumour that he’s going to have shoulder surgery, which may explain his absence this weekend.
Highlights of the early matches should be Jansen Allen versus Coby Iwaasa, Marco Rojas versus Tim Landeryou and perhaps Alvaro Beltran versus Javier Mar.
Iwaasa won the Canadian Junior Boy’s U18 title last week, and took Daniel De La Rosa to a tie-breaker the last time he was on tour, so he’s a solid player that Allen will have his hands full with.
Landeryou’s also a Canadian, who is trying to qualify for Team Canada for the Pan American Games (PAGs). Racquetball Canada will offer spot on the PAGs team to the highest ranked Canadians on the IRT but they have to be in the top 16. Landeryou is currently 17th, so he’s not quite there. Also, Iwaasa is 18th.
Finally, Mar had good results last week in the Battle of the Alamo, where he finished in the semi-finals, losing in four games to Allen. Also, he and Landeryou were in the Men’s Open final, which Landeryou won in two games. So, Mar should be a good test for Beltran in the Round of 16.
You can follow this weekend’s action via the IRT Network beginning at 10 AM CDT Friday.
2015 Krowning Moment Pro Invitational
Edinburg, Texas
First round
16 Eduardo Garay v. 17 Ramon Florez
Round of 16
1 Rocky Carson v. 16 Eduardo Garay or 17 Ramon Florez
8 Charlie Pratt v. 9 Robert Collins
5 Jose Rojas v. 12 Scott McClellan
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. 13 Eddie Sada
3 Alvaro Beltran v. 14 Javier Mar
6 Jansen Allen v. 11 Coby Iwaasa
7 Marco Rojas v. 10 Tim Landeryou
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. 15 Jody Morris
Follow the bouncing ball….
The event essentially fills in the schedule for the cancelled Stockton event, and it does have most of the top 10 players in action. Ben Croft is the biggest absence, and we’ve heard a rumour that he’s going to have shoulder surgery, which may explain his absence this weekend.
Highlights of the early matches should be Jansen Allen versus Coby Iwaasa, Marco Rojas versus Tim Landeryou and perhaps Alvaro Beltran versus Javier Mar.
Iwaasa won the Canadian Junior Boy’s U18 title last week, and took Daniel De La Rosa to a tie-breaker the last time he was on tour, so he’s a solid player that Allen will have his hands full with.
Landeryou’s also a Canadian, who is trying to qualify for Team Canada for the Pan American Games (PAGs). Racquetball Canada will offer spot on the PAGs team to the highest ranked Canadians on the IRT but they have to be in the top 16. Landeryou is currently 17th, so he’s not quite there. Also, Iwaasa is 18th.
Finally, Mar had good results last week in the Battle of the Alamo, where he finished in the semi-finals, losing in four games to Allen. Also, he and Landeryou were in the Men’s Open final, which Landeryou won in two games. So, Mar should be a good test for Beltran in the Round of 16.
You can follow this weekend’s action via the IRT Network beginning at 10 AM CDT Friday.
2015 Krowning Moment Pro Invitational
Edinburg, Texas
First round
16 Eduardo Garay v. 17 Ramon Florez
Round of 16
1 Rocky Carson v. 16 Eduardo Garay or 17 Ramon Florez
8 Charlie Pratt v. 9 Robert Collins
5 Jose Rojas v. 12 Scott McClellan
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. 13 Eddie Sada
3 Alvaro Beltran v. 14 Javier Mar
6 Jansen Allen v. 11 Coby Iwaasa
7 Marco Rojas v. 10 Tim Landeryou
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. 15 Jody Morris
Follow the bouncing ball….
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Weekend Round Up - Wins for De La Rosa, Aguilar & Landeryou and USA Racquetball Awards
Daniel De La Rosa won the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas - a Tier 4 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event - last weekend by defeating Jansen Allen in the final, 11-3, 11-7, 11-2. De La Rosa advanced to the final with a win over Andree Parrilla in the semi-finals, 12-10, 11-5, 11-4, while Allen beat Javier Mar in the other semi, 9-11, 11-1, 12-10, 11-6.
De La Rosa and Allen teamed up to win Men’s Open Doubles, beating Mar and Eduardo Garay in the final, 15-10, 15-11, and Alejandro Cardona and Edson Martinez in the semi-finals, 15-12, 12-15, 11-8. Mar and Garay defeated Chase Robison and Clint Mehta in the other semi, 15-7, 15-9.
Tim Landeryou won Men’s Open by defeating Mar in the final, 15-12, 15-7. Landeryou beat Bruce Robles in the semis, 15-5, 15-5, while Mar defeated Patric Mascorro, 15-10, 9-15, 11-8.
Diana Aguilar won the Women’s Open division in San Antonio, defeating Alexandra Herrera in the final, 15-13, 15-11. In the semi-finals, Aguilar beat Susana Acosta, 15-9 15-8, and Herrera defeated Da’monique Davis, 15-4, 15-2.
The Mixed Open Doubles division went to Jake Bredenbeck and Sheryl Lotts who narrowly defeated De La Rosa and Michelle Key in the final, 12-15, 15-14, 11-10.
USA Awards
USA Racquetball has announced its award winners for 2015. The awards recognize excellence on and off the court. The awards will be presented next month during the USA Racquetball National Singles Championships in Denver May 20-24.
Male Athlete of the Year - Jake Bredenbeck, Chandler, Arizona.
Female Athlete of the Year - Rhonda Rajsich, Phoenix, Arizona
Bud Muehleisen Male Age Group Award - Jimmy Lowe, Alea, Hawaii
Peggy Steding Female Age Group Award - Cindy Tilbury, Malibu, California
Joe Sobek Outstanding Contribution Award - Cheryl Kirk, Naperville, Illinois
Presidential Award - Dan Whitley, Kirkwood, Missouri
2015 Hall of Fame Inductee - Sudsy Monchik, Staten Island, New York
Congratulations to all of this year's award recipients!
The Battle of the Alamo
San Antonio, Texas - IRT Tier 4 - LPRT Tier 1
Men’s IRT Final
Daniel De La Rosa d. Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-7, 11-2
Semi-finals
Daniel De La Rosa d. Andree Parrilla, 12-10, 11-5, 11-4
Jansen Allen d. Javier Mar, 9-11, 11-1, 12-10, 11-6
Women’s Open Singles
Diana Aguilar d. Alexandra Herrera, 15-13, 15-11
Semi-finals
Diana Aguilar d. Susana Acosta, 15-9 15-8
Alexandra Herrera d. Da’monique Davis, 15-4, 15-2
Men’s Open Singles
Tim Landeryou d. Javier Mar, 15-12, 15-7
Semi-finals
Tim Landeryou d. Bruce Robles, 15-5, 15-5
Javier Mar d. Patric Mascorro, 15-10, 9-15, 11-8
Men’s Open Doubles
Daniel De La Rosa & Jansen Allen d. Javier Mar & Eduardo Garay, 15-10, 15-11
Semi-finals
Daniel De La Rosa & Jansen Allen d. Alejandro Cardona & Edson Martinez, 15-12, 12-15, 11-8
Javier Mar & Eduardo Garay d. Chase Robison & Clint Mehta, 15-7, 15-9
Follow the bouncing ball….
De La Rosa and Allen teamed up to win Men’s Open Doubles, beating Mar and Eduardo Garay in the final, 15-10, 15-11, and Alejandro Cardona and Edson Martinez in the semi-finals, 15-12, 12-15, 11-8. Mar and Garay defeated Chase Robison and Clint Mehta in the other semi, 15-7, 15-9.
Tim Landeryou won Men’s Open by defeating Mar in the final, 15-12, 15-7. Landeryou beat Bruce Robles in the semis, 15-5, 15-5, while Mar defeated Patric Mascorro, 15-10, 9-15, 11-8.
Diana Aguilar won the Women’s Open division in San Antonio, defeating Alexandra Herrera in the final, 15-13, 15-11. In the semi-finals, Aguilar beat Susana Acosta, 15-9 15-8, and Herrera defeated Da’monique Davis, 15-4, 15-2.
The Mixed Open Doubles division went to Jake Bredenbeck and Sheryl Lotts who narrowly defeated De La Rosa and Michelle Key in the final, 12-15, 15-14, 11-10.
USA Awards
USA Racquetball has announced its award winners for 2015. The awards recognize excellence on and off the court. The awards will be presented next month during the USA Racquetball National Singles Championships in Denver May 20-24.
Male Athlete of the Year - Jake Bredenbeck, Chandler, Arizona.
Female Athlete of the Year - Rhonda Rajsich, Phoenix, Arizona
Bud Muehleisen Male Age Group Award - Jimmy Lowe, Alea, Hawaii
Peggy Steding Female Age Group Award - Cindy Tilbury, Malibu, California
Joe Sobek Outstanding Contribution Award - Cheryl Kirk, Naperville, Illinois
Presidential Award - Dan Whitley, Kirkwood, Missouri
2015 Hall of Fame Inductee - Sudsy Monchik, Staten Island, New York
Congratulations to all of this year's award recipients!
The Battle of the Alamo
San Antonio, Texas - IRT Tier 4 - LPRT Tier 1
Men’s IRT Final
Daniel De La Rosa d. Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-7, 11-2
Semi-finals
Daniel De La Rosa d. Andree Parrilla, 12-10, 11-5, 11-4
Jansen Allen d. Javier Mar, 9-11, 11-1, 12-10, 11-6
Women’s Open Singles
Diana Aguilar d. Alexandra Herrera, 15-13, 15-11
Semi-finals
Diana Aguilar d. Susana Acosta, 15-9 15-8
Alexandra Herrera d. Da’monique Davis, 15-4, 15-2
Men’s Open Singles
Tim Landeryou d. Javier Mar, 15-12, 15-7
Semi-finals
Tim Landeryou d. Bruce Robles, 15-5, 15-5
Javier Mar d. Patric Mascorro, 15-10, 9-15, 11-8
Men’s Open Doubles
Daniel De La Rosa & Jansen Allen d. Javier Mar & Eduardo Garay, 15-10, 15-11
Semi-finals
Daniel De La Rosa & Jansen Allen d. Alejandro Cardona & Edson Martinez, 15-12, 12-15, 11-8
Javier Mar & Eduardo Garay d. Chase Robison & Clint Mehta, 15-7, 15-9
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Longoria wins LPRT Battle of the Alamo
Paola Longoria won her ninth event of the 2014-15 Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) season, as she defeated LPRT #2 Maria Jose Vargas, 11-7, 11-9, 5-11, 11-2, in the final of the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas Sunday.
Although Longoria won in four games, it's the second time this season that Vargas has taken a game off of Longoria. The first was all the way back in the second event of the season in Huixquilucan, Mexico, where Longoria also won in four games. In five other matches (all in the final), Longoria won in three straight games.
Longoria, who had three undefeated seasons coming into this season, is unbeaten against Vargas, but has lost twice this season: once to Rhonda Rajisch and once to Frédérique Lambert.
Longoria also won the LPRT Doubles competition with partner Samantha Salas, although it was uneventful as Michelle Key and Lambert defaulted the final.
The final LPRT event of the 2014-15 season is the LPRT Pro Nationals in Herndon, Virginia May 15-17. If you missed any of this weekend's action, you can view is at the LPRT Livestream channel.
LPRT Battle of the Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
(with seeding)
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 2 Maria Jose Vargas, 11-7, 11-9, 5-11, 11-2
Doubles Final
1 Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas d. 3 Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert, forfeit
Follow the bouncing ball....
Although Longoria won in four games, it's the second time this season that Vargas has taken a game off of Longoria. The first was all the way back in the second event of the season in Huixquilucan, Mexico, where Longoria also won in four games. In five other matches (all in the final), Longoria won in three straight games.
Longoria, who had three undefeated seasons coming into this season, is unbeaten against Vargas, but has lost twice this season: once to Rhonda Rajisch and once to Frédérique Lambert.
Longoria also won the LPRT Doubles competition with partner Samantha Salas, although it was uneventful as Michelle Key and Lambert defaulted the final.
The final LPRT event of the 2014-15 season is the LPRT Pro Nationals in Herndon, Virginia May 15-17. If you missed any of this weekend's action, you can view is at the LPRT Livestream channel.
LPRT Battle of the Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
(with seeding)
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 2 Maria Jose Vargas, 11-7, 11-9, 5-11, 11-2
Doubles Final
1 Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas d. 3 Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert, forfeit
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria & Vargas face off in LPRT Battle of the Alamo
One will play two again in a final on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT), as LPRT #1 Paola Longoria will face #2 Maria Jose Vargas in the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas Sunday. Longoria defeated Samantha Salas, 11-1, 11-1, 11-2, in one semi-final, while Vargas needed five games to get past Rhonda Rajsich, 9-11, 11-5, 10-12, 13-11, 11-4.
They are playing doubles in San Antonia also, but the doubles final is #1 versus #3, as Longoria and Salas, the #1 seeds, will battle 3rd seeds Michelle Key and Frédérique Lambert in the final, as Key and Lambert defeated Vargas and Rajsich, 10-15, 15-8, 11-10, in the semi-finals Saturday.
The LPRT will live stream the final on its LPRT Network at 11 AM CDT Sunday.
LPRT Battle of the Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
(with seeding / LPRT ranking if different)
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-3, 11-2, 11-1
5 Samantha Salas d. 4 Frédérique Lambert, 11-2, 11-3, 11-2
3 Rhonda Rajsich d. 6 Michelle Key, 5-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 10 Veronica Sotomayor, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 5 Samantha Salas, 11-1, 11-1, 11-2
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 3 Rhonda Rajsich, 9-11, 11-5, 10-12, 13-11, 11-4
Final
1 Paola Longoria v. 2 Maria Jose Vargas
Doubles Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas d. 5 Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz, 15-3, 15-3
3 Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas, 10-15, 15-8, 11-10
Doubles Final
1 Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas v. 3 Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert
Follow the bouncing ball....
They are playing doubles in San Antonia also, but the doubles final is #1 versus #3, as Longoria and Salas, the #1 seeds, will battle 3rd seeds Michelle Key and Frédérique Lambert in the final, as Key and Lambert defeated Vargas and Rajsich, 10-15, 15-8, 11-10, in the semi-finals Saturday.
The LPRT will live stream the final on its LPRT Network at 11 AM CDT Sunday.
LPRT Battle of the Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
(with seeding / LPRT ranking if different)
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-3, 11-2, 11-1
5 Samantha Salas d. 4 Frédérique Lambert, 11-2, 11-3, 11-2
3 Rhonda Rajsich d. 6 Michelle Key, 5-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 10 Veronica Sotomayor, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 5 Samantha Salas, 11-1, 11-1, 11-2
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 3 Rhonda Rajsich, 9-11, 11-5, 10-12, 13-11, 11-4
Final
1 Paola Longoria v. 2 Maria Jose Vargas
Doubles Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas d. 5 Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz, 15-3, 15-3
3 Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas, 10-15, 15-8, 11-10
Doubles Final
1 Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas v. 3 Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, April 24, 2015
LPRT Battle of the Alamo - Rounds of 32 & 16
Tenth seed Veronica Sotomayor has reached the quarterfinals of the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas after defeating 7th seed Da'monique Davis in the Round of 16, 11-1, 11-8, 11-5. She'll play the winner of LPRT #2 Maria Jose Vargas and 18th seed Maria Paz Muñoz, who upset 15th seed Adrienne Fisher in the 16s, 11-0, 8-11, 10-12, 11-2, 11-0.
On the top of the draw, 4th ranked Frédérique Lambert and 5th ranked Samantha Salas will face off for the second consecutive weekend, as they also met in the quarters in Denver last weekend, when Lambert beat Salas for the first time ever.
To reach the quarters, Lambert defeated Alexandrea Herrera, 11-9, 11-7, 2-11, 15-13, and Salas beat Ximena Gonzalez, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6.
Gonzalez was an upset winner in the Round of 32, as she took out 12th seed Sheryl Lotts, 11-5, 11-7, 10-12, 11-5.
The LPRT is live streaming matches from San Antonia. You can watch the action live via the LPRT Network, and they archive the previous matches quickly, so if you miss one, you can see it afterwards.
LPRT Battle of the Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
(with seeding)
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
17 Lucia Gonzalez d. 16 Kim Thomas, 11-7, 11-6, 11-8
9 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
8 Sofia Rascon - BYE
5 Samantha Salas - BYE
21 Ximena Gonzalez d. 12 Sheryl Lotts, 11-5, 11-7, 10-12, 11-5
13 Alexandra Herrera d. 20 Diana Aguilar, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8
4 Frédérique Lambert - BYE
3 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
14 Jessica Parrilla d. 19 Carolina Luque, 11-2, 11-7, 11-2
11 Susana Acosta v. 22 Krystal Ackermann, 11-5, 9-111, 11-4, 12-10
6 Michelle Key - BYE
7 Da'monique Davis - BYE
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 23 Heather Hojat, 11-0, 11-1, 11-0
18 Maria Paz Muñoz d. 15 Adrienne Haynes, 11-0, 8-11, 10-12, 11-2, 11-0
2 Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 17 Lucia Gonzalez, 11-6, 11-2, 11-5
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 8 Sofia Rascon, 11-4, 2-11, 11-3, 11-0
5 Samantha Salas d. 21 Ximena Gonzalez, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6
4 Frédérique Lambert d. 13 Alexandra Herrera, 11-9, 11-7, 2-11, 15-13
3 Rhonda Rajsich d. 14 Jessica Parrilla, 11-7, 11-7, 11-6
6 Michelle Key d. 11 Susana Acosta, 11-5, 3-11, 11-8, 12-10
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 7 Da'monique Davis, 11-1, 11-8, 11-5
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 18 Maria Paz Muñoz, 8-11, 11-0, 7-11, 11-2, 11-4
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Cheryl Gudinas
4 Frédérique Lambert v. 5 Samantha Salas
3 Rhonda Rajsich v. 6 Michelle Key
2 Maria Jose Vargas v. 10 Veronica Sotomayor
Doubles Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas - BYE
5 Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz d. 4 Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla, 15-5, 13-15, 11-7
3 Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert d. 6 Sheryl Lotts & Kim Thomas, 15-11, 11-15, 11-10
2 Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas d. 7 Ximena Gonzalez & Alexandra Herrera, 15-10, 15-11
Doubles Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas v. 5 Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz
2 Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas v. 3 Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert
Follow the bouncing ball....
On the top of the draw, 4th ranked Frédérique Lambert and 5th ranked Samantha Salas will face off for the second consecutive weekend, as they also met in the quarters in Denver last weekend, when Lambert beat Salas for the first time ever.
To reach the quarters, Lambert defeated Alexandrea Herrera, 11-9, 11-7, 2-11, 15-13, and Salas beat Ximena Gonzalez, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6.
Gonzalez was an upset winner in the Round of 32, as she took out 12th seed Sheryl Lotts, 11-5, 11-7, 10-12, 11-5.
The LPRT is live streaming matches from San Antonia. You can watch the action live via the LPRT Network, and they archive the previous matches quickly, so if you miss one, you can see it afterwards.
LPRT Battle of the Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
(with seeding)
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
17 Lucia Gonzalez d. 16 Kim Thomas, 11-7, 11-6, 11-8
9 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
8 Sofia Rascon - BYE
5 Samantha Salas - BYE
21 Ximena Gonzalez d. 12 Sheryl Lotts, 11-5, 11-7, 10-12, 11-5
13 Alexandra Herrera d. 20 Diana Aguilar, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8
4 Frédérique Lambert - BYE
3 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
14 Jessica Parrilla d. 19 Carolina Luque, 11-2, 11-7, 11-2
11 Susana Acosta v. 22 Krystal Ackermann, 11-5, 9-111, 11-4, 12-10
6 Michelle Key - BYE
7 Da'monique Davis - BYE
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 23 Heather Hojat, 11-0, 11-1, 11-0
18 Maria Paz Muñoz d. 15 Adrienne Haynes, 11-0, 8-11, 10-12, 11-2, 11-0
2 Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 17 Lucia Gonzalez, 11-6, 11-2, 11-5
9 Cheryl Gudinas d. 8 Sofia Rascon, 11-4, 2-11, 11-3, 11-0
5 Samantha Salas d. 21 Ximena Gonzalez, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6
4 Frédérique Lambert d. 13 Alexandra Herrera, 11-9, 11-7, 2-11, 15-13
3 Rhonda Rajsich d. 14 Jessica Parrilla, 11-7, 11-7, 11-6
6 Michelle Key d. 11 Susana Acosta, 11-5, 3-11, 11-8, 12-10
10 Veronica Sotomayor d. 7 Da'monique Davis, 11-1, 11-8, 11-5
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 18 Maria Paz Muñoz, 8-11, 11-0, 7-11, 11-2, 11-4
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Cheryl Gudinas
4 Frédérique Lambert v. 5 Samantha Salas
3 Rhonda Rajsich v. 6 Michelle Key
2 Maria Jose Vargas v. 10 Veronica Sotomayor
Doubles Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas - BYE
5 Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz d. 4 Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla, 15-5, 13-15, 11-7
3 Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert d. 6 Sheryl Lotts & Kim Thomas, 15-11, 11-15, 11-10
2 Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas d. 7 Ximena Gonzalez & Alexandra Herrera, 15-10, 15-11
Doubles Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas v. 5 Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz
2 Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas v. 3 Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, April 23, 2015
LPRT Battle of the Alamo Preview
The penultimate event of the 2014-15 Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) season happens this weekend in San Antonio, Texas where 14 of the top 15 LPRT players will compete in the Battle of the Alamo. For most of them it's the second of back to back tournaments, as many were competing in Denver last weekend, where LPRT #1 Paola Longoria defeated #2 Maria Jose Vargas in the final.
They are probably the favourites to meet in the final again, but several other players are threats to get there also, including 3rd ranked Rhonda Rajsich, 4th ranked Frédérique Lambert and 5th ranked Samantha Salas.
The American players looking to claim a spot on the US Team are unlikely to play each other this weekend, unlike last weekend when veteran Cheryl Gudinas defeated Michelle Key in the Round of 16. But both are in the draw, seeded 9th and 6th, respectively, as well as 7th seed Da'monique Davis.
USA Racquetball awards two spots on its National Team to the two highest ranked LPRT players at season's end. Rajsich will claim one of those spots, and the second is down to Key, Gudinas and Davis. If one of them finishes a round better than the others in San Antonio, it could make the difference in who makes the team, as the season will close with the Ektelon Pro Nationals in Herndon, Virginia May 15-17.
With the world's top racquetball players in San Antonio, there are sure to be excellent matches all weekend. If you're not there, you can watch the action via the LPRT Network.
LPRT Battle of the Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
(with seeding / LPRT ranking if different)
(unofficial draw)
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16/18 Kim Thomas v. 17/97 Lucia Gonzalez
9/10 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
8/9 Sofia Rascon - BYE
5 Samantha Salas - BYE
12/13 Sheryl Lotts v. 21/28 Ximena Gonzalez
13/14 Alexandra Herrera v. 20/24 Diana Aguilar
4 Frédérique Lambert - BYE
3 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
14/15 Jessica Parrilla v. 19/23 Carolina Luque
11/12 Susana Acosta v. 22/62 Krystal Ackermann
6/7 Michelle Key - BYE
7/8 Da'monique Davis - BYE
10/11 Veronica Sotomayor v. 23/NR Heather Hojat
15/17 Adrienne Haynes v. 18/20 Maria Paz Muñoz
2 Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
They are probably the favourites to meet in the final again, but several other players are threats to get there also, including 3rd ranked Rhonda Rajsich, 4th ranked Frédérique Lambert and 5th ranked Samantha Salas.
The American players looking to claim a spot on the US Team are unlikely to play each other this weekend, unlike last weekend when veteran Cheryl Gudinas defeated Michelle Key in the Round of 16. But both are in the draw, seeded 9th and 6th, respectively, as well as 7th seed Da'monique Davis.
USA Racquetball awards two spots on its National Team to the two highest ranked LPRT players at season's end. Rajsich will claim one of those spots, and the second is down to Key, Gudinas and Davis. If one of them finishes a round better than the others in San Antonio, it could make the difference in who makes the team, as the season will close with the Ektelon Pro Nationals in Herndon, Virginia May 15-17.
With the world's top racquetball players in San Antonio, there are sure to be excellent matches all weekend. If you're not there, you can watch the action via the LPRT Network.
LPRT Battle of the Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
(with seeding / LPRT ranking if different)
(unofficial draw)
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16/18 Kim Thomas v. 17/97 Lucia Gonzalez
9/10 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
8/9 Sofia Rascon - BYE
5 Samantha Salas - BYE
12/13 Sheryl Lotts v. 21/28 Ximena Gonzalez
13/14 Alexandra Herrera v. 20/24 Diana Aguilar
4 Frédérique Lambert - BYE
3 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
14/15 Jessica Parrilla v. 19/23 Carolina Luque
11/12 Susana Acosta v. 22/62 Krystal Ackermann
6/7 Michelle Key - BYE
7/8 Da'monique Davis - BYE
10/11 Veronica Sotomayor v. 23/NR Heather Hojat
15/17 Adrienne Haynes v. 18/20 Maria Paz Muñoz
2 Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Longoria wins LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Paola Longoria won her 8th event of the 2014-15 Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) season Sunday, as she defeated Maria Jose Vargas in the final of the Mile High Pro/Am in Denver, 11-9, 11-1, 11-1.
Longoria's win maintains her unbeaten record against Vargas, who has won twice this season - the first victories of her pro career. Longoria came into the season with a three season winning streak, but has lost twice this season, although not to Vargas.
The next LPRT event is the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas next weekend April 24-26, 2015. If you can watch the action next weekend - or see this weekend's matches if you missed them - via the LPRT Network..
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 2 Maria Jose Vargas, 11-9, 11-1, 11-1
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria's win maintains her unbeaten record against Vargas, who has won twice this season - the first victories of her pro career. Longoria came into the season with a three season winning streak, but has lost twice this season, although not to Vargas.
The next LPRT event is the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas next weekend April 24-26, 2015. If you can watch the action next weekend - or see this weekend's matches if you missed them - via the LPRT Network..
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 2 Maria Jose Vargas, 11-9, 11-1, 11-1
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Longoria & Vargas to meet in LPRT Mile High Pro-Am final
Despite some upsets earlier in the tournament, it will be #1 v. #2 in the final of the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) Mile High Pro/Am in Denver on Sunday, as #1 Paola Longoria and #2 Maria Jose Vargas won their respective semi-final matches, both in the minimum three games. But both won game one of their semis 12-10.
Longoria was up in game one against #4 Frédérique Lambert, 8-4 and 10-7, but Lambert tied it at 10-10. But an error gave the serve back to Longoria. On the next rally, Lambert skipped an easy forehand shot. Then Longoria hit a drive serve to the left, and the ball stuck in the back corner, and the first game was hers.
Game two was similar, as Longoria took an 8-2 lead. Lambert got within three at 10-7, but that was as close as she got, as Longoria won game two 11-7.
Game three was all Longoria, as she went out to a 9-0 lead and won 11-2.
Vargas beat Cristina Amaya, LPRT #6, in the other semi-final, 12-10, 11-3, 11-3. The match was close, despite the scores in games two and three, as there were several sideouts in both those games.
They were back and forth in game one, with Amaya leading 6-3, then Vargas leading 8-6. They tied at 9-9, and it was Amaya who got to 10 first. But Vargas got the serve back with a winning backhand return. Then Vargas tied it with a drive serve ace to the left side.
Amaya got the serve back with a forehand winner, but Vargas appealed that Amaya had encroached on the serve, which the referee had not called. The linejudges overturned the referee's call, and Vargas was awarded a point for Amaya's encroachment. Vargas won the game on the next rally with a forehand cross court shot.
Amaya won the first two points in game two, but Vargas held her to only one more, as she went on to win it, 11-3. Similarly in game three, they were tied at 3-3, and that was as many points as Amaya got, as Vargas scored eight straight points to finish off the game and match.
You can watch the final at noon MDT Sunday via the LPRT Network..
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Frédérique Lambert, 12-10, 11-7, 11-2
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 6 Cristina Amaya, 12-10, 11-3, 11-3
Final
1 Paola Longoria v. 2 Maria Jose Vargas
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria was up in game one against #4 Frédérique Lambert, 8-4 and 10-7, but Lambert tied it at 10-10. But an error gave the serve back to Longoria. On the next rally, Lambert skipped an easy forehand shot. Then Longoria hit a drive serve to the left, and the ball stuck in the back corner, and the first game was hers.
Game two was similar, as Longoria took an 8-2 lead. Lambert got within three at 10-7, but that was as close as she got, as Longoria won game two 11-7.
Game three was all Longoria, as she went out to a 9-0 lead and won 11-2.
Vargas beat Cristina Amaya, LPRT #6, in the other semi-final, 12-10, 11-3, 11-3. The match was close, despite the scores in games two and three, as there were several sideouts in both those games.
They were back and forth in game one, with Amaya leading 6-3, then Vargas leading 8-6. They tied at 9-9, and it was Amaya who got to 10 first. But Vargas got the serve back with a winning backhand return. Then Vargas tied it with a drive serve ace to the left side.
Amaya got the serve back with a forehand winner, but Vargas appealed that Amaya had encroached on the serve, which the referee had not called. The linejudges overturned the referee's call, and Vargas was awarded a point for Amaya's encroachment. Vargas won the game on the next rally with a forehand cross court shot.
Amaya won the first two points in game two, but Vargas held her to only one more, as she went on to win it, 11-3. Similarly in game three, they were tied at 3-3, and that was as many points as Amaya got, as Vargas scored eight straight points to finish off the game and match.
You can watch the final at noon MDT Sunday via the LPRT Network..
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Frédérique Lambert, 12-10, 11-7, 11-2
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 6 Cristina Amaya, 12-10, 11-3, 11-3
Final
1 Paola Longoria v. 2 Maria Jose Vargas
Follow the bouncing ball....
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am Quarterfinals
It took over two hours but 6th seed Cristina Amaya pulled off the upset victory over 3rd seed Rhonda Rajsich, 7-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9, at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) Mile High Pro/Am in Denver in the quarterfinals. The win puts Amaya into the semi-finals for the third time this season and second in a row.
Amaya will face 2nd seed Maria Jose Vargas in the semis, as Vargas defeated Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-3, 11-8, in the quarters.
On the other side of the draw, LPRT #1 Paola Longoria will face #4 Frédérique Lambert in the semis, as they won their respective quarterfinal matches. Longoria defeated Sofia Rascon, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3, and Lambert came back from 2-1 down to defeat Samantha Salas, 11-6, 5-11, 4-11, 11-3, 11-4. That win was Lambert’s first over Salas in their respective careers.
You can watch the semi-finals at 5 PM and 6 PM MDT Saturday via the LPRT Network. The final will be noon on Sunday.
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Sofia Rascon, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
4 Frédérique Lambert d. 5 Samantha Salas, 11-6, 5-11, 4-11, 11-3, 11-4
6 Cristina Amaya d. 3 Rhonda Rajsich, 7-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 10 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-3, 11-8
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Frédérique Lambert
2 Maria Jose Vargas v. 6 Cristina Amaya
Follow the bouncing ball....
Amaya will face 2nd seed Maria Jose Vargas in the semis, as Vargas defeated Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-3, 11-8, in the quarters.
On the other side of the draw, LPRT #1 Paola Longoria will face #4 Frédérique Lambert in the semis, as they won their respective quarterfinal matches. Longoria defeated Sofia Rascon, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3, and Lambert came back from 2-1 down to defeat Samantha Salas, 11-6, 5-11, 4-11, 11-3, 11-4. That win was Lambert’s first over Salas in their respective careers.
You can watch the semi-finals at 5 PM and 6 PM MDT Saturday via the LPRT Network. The final will be noon on Sunday.
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Sofia Rascon, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
4 Frédérique Lambert d. 5 Samantha Salas, 11-6, 5-11, 4-11, 11-3, 11-4
6 Cristina Amaya d. 3 Rhonda Rajsich, 7-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 10 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-3, 11-8
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Frédérique Lambert
2 Maria Jose Vargas v. 6 Cristina Amaya
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, April 17, 2015
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am - Round of 16
Two more upsets at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) Mile High Pro/Am in Denver happened in the Round of 16. Veteran Cheryl Gudinas, the 10th seed, defeated 7th seed Michelle Key, 11-3, 11-2, 11-6, in match that has implications for the US Team qualification.
The top two American players on the LPRT qualify for the US National Team. Gudinas and Key are close in the race to do that. Key was leading, but Gudinas's win could change that. Da'monique Davis is also in that race, but she lost her match against Sofia Rascon, 11-3, 11-5, 11-3. That match was the other upset on the day, as Davis was seeded 8th and Rascon 9th.
Thus, on a day with big implication for US Team qualification, it was the veteran Gudinas who came through.
Gudinas would surely like to qualify for the US Team for the Pan American Games this summer. She has competed - and medaled - at every Pan Am Games racquetball competition since it was first included in 1995.
The first spot on Team USA will undoubtedly be claimed by Rhonda Rajsich, the LPRT 3rd ranked player, who defeated Alexandra Herrera, 4-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-4, in the Round of 16 Friday. She'll play Cristina Amaya in the quarterfinals, as Amaya beat Veronica Sotomayor, 11-2, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9.
Also in the quarters will be the match up that we've anticipated: 4th seed Frédérique Lambert will play 5th seed Samantha Salas, although it almost didn't happen, as Salas dropped the first two games against Susana Acosta in the 16s. However, Salas battled back to win the next three and take the match, 8-11, 6-11, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5.
Lambert also dropped the first game of her Round of 16 match with Gabriela Martinez, but then recovered to win the next three, making the final score line 9-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-8.
You can watch the quarterfinals at 11 AM and noon Saturday via the LPRT Network. The semi-finals will go at 5 PM and 6 PM MDT Saturday with the final at noon on Sunday.
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 16 Kim Thomas, 11-2, 11-6, 11-2
9 Sofia Rascon d. 8 Da'monique Davis, 11-3, 11-5, 11-3
5 Samantha Salas d. 12 Susana Acosta, 8-11, 6-11, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5
4 Frédérique Lambert d. 20 Gabriela Martinez, 9-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-8
3 Rhonda Rajsich d. 14 Alexandra Herrera, 4-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-4
6 Cristina Amaya d. 11 Veronica Sotomayor, 11-2, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9
10 Cheryl Gudinas d. 7 Michelle Key, 11-3, 11-2, 11-6
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 18 Maria Paz Muñoz, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Sofia Rascon - Noon MDT
4 Frédérique Lambert v. 5 Samantha Salas - Noon MDT
3 Rhonda Rajsich v. 6 Cristina Amaya - 11 AM MDT
2 Maria Jose Vargas v. 10 Cheryl Gudinas - 11 AM MDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
The top two American players on the LPRT qualify for the US National Team. Gudinas and Key are close in the race to do that. Key was leading, but Gudinas's win could change that. Da'monique Davis is also in that race, but she lost her match against Sofia Rascon, 11-3, 11-5, 11-3. That match was the other upset on the day, as Davis was seeded 8th and Rascon 9th.
Thus, on a day with big implication for US Team qualification, it was the veteran Gudinas who came through.
Gudinas would surely like to qualify for the US Team for the Pan American Games this summer. She has competed - and medaled - at every Pan Am Games racquetball competition since it was first included in 1995.
The first spot on Team USA will undoubtedly be claimed by Rhonda Rajsich, the LPRT 3rd ranked player, who defeated Alexandra Herrera, 4-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-4, in the Round of 16 Friday. She'll play Cristina Amaya in the quarterfinals, as Amaya beat Veronica Sotomayor, 11-2, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9.
Also in the quarters will be the match up that we've anticipated: 4th seed Frédérique Lambert will play 5th seed Samantha Salas, although it almost didn't happen, as Salas dropped the first two games against Susana Acosta in the 16s. However, Salas battled back to win the next three and take the match, 8-11, 6-11, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5.
Lambert also dropped the first game of her Round of 16 match with Gabriela Martinez, but then recovered to win the next three, making the final score line 9-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-8.
You can watch the quarterfinals at 11 AM and noon Saturday via the LPRT Network. The semi-finals will go at 5 PM and 6 PM MDT Saturday with the final at noon on Sunday.
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 16 Kim Thomas, 11-2, 11-6, 11-2
9 Sofia Rascon d. 8 Da'monique Davis, 11-3, 11-5, 11-3
5 Samantha Salas d. 12 Susana Acosta, 8-11, 6-11, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5
4 Frédérique Lambert d. 20 Gabriela Martinez, 9-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-8
3 Rhonda Rajsich d. 14 Alexandra Herrera, 4-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-4
6 Cristina Amaya d. 11 Veronica Sotomayor, 11-2, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9
10 Cheryl Gudinas d. 7 Michelle Key, 11-3, 11-2, 11-6
2 Maria Jose Vargas d. 18 Maria Paz Muñoz, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5
Quarterfinals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Sofia Rascon - Noon MDT
4 Frédérique Lambert v. 5 Samantha Salas - Noon MDT
3 Rhonda Rajsich v. 6 Cristina Amaya - 11 AM MDT
2 Maria Jose Vargas v. 10 Cheryl Gudinas - 11 AM MDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am - Round of 32
Two upsets happened in the Round of 32 at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) Mile High Pro/Am in Denver today. Twentieth seed Gabriela Martinez had the bigger upset, as she defeated 13th seed Sheryl Lotts, 7-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-1. Martinez - the current U14 World Junior Champion - will play LPRT #4 Frédérique Lambert in the Round of 16.
Maria Paz Muñoz, the 18th seed, came back from 2-1 down to beat 15th seed Adrienne Haynes, 8-11, 11-6, 4-11, 11-5, 11-4. She'll face LPRT #2 Maria Jose Vargas in the 16s.
Other Round of 16 highlights, include Cristina Amaya playing Veronica Sotomayor in a rematch of the semi-finals of the Pan American Championships earlier this month, which Sotomayor won, as well as Michelle Key versus Cheryl Gudinas, and Da'monique Davis versus Sofia Rason.
You can watch the action via the LPRT Network.
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Kim Thomas d. 17 Lucia Gonzalez, 11-3, 11-13, 11-7, 11-5
9 Sofia Rascon - BYE
8 Da'monique Davis - BYE
5 Samantha Salas - BYE
12 Susana Acosta d. 21 Jordan Cooperrider, 11-2, 11-7, 11-7
20 Gabriela Martinez d. 13 Sheryl Lotts, 7-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-1
4 Frédérique Lambert - BYE
3 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
14 Alexandra Herrera d. 19 T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-0, 11-0, 11-0
11 Veronica Sotomayor d. 22 Erika Manilla, 11-4, 11-2, 11-5
6 Cristina Amaya - BYE
7 Michelle Key - BYE
10 Cheryl Gudinas d. 23 Andrea Martinez Gonzalez, 11-2, 11-0, 11-2
18 Maria Paz Muñoz d. 15 Adrienne Haynes, 8-11, 11-6, 4-11, 11-5, 11-4
2 Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 16 Kim Thomas
8 Da'monique Davis v. 9 Sofia Rascon
5 Samantha Salas v. 12 Susana Acosta
4 Frédérique Lambert v. 20 Gabriela Martinez
3 Rhonda Rajsich v. 14 Alexandra Herrera
6 Cristina Amaya v. 11 Veronica Sotomayor
7 Michelle Key v. 10 Cheryl Gudinas
2 Maria Jose Vargas v. 18 Maria Paz Muñoz
Follow the bouncing ball....
Maria Paz Muñoz, the 18th seed, came back from 2-1 down to beat 15th seed Adrienne Haynes, 8-11, 11-6, 4-11, 11-5, 11-4. She'll face LPRT #2 Maria Jose Vargas in the 16s.
Other Round of 16 highlights, include Cristina Amaya playing Veronica Sotomayor in a rematch of the semi-finals of the Pan American Championships earlier this month, which Sotomayor won, as well as Michelle Key versus Cheryl Gudinas, and Da'monique Davis versus Sofia Rason.
You can watch the action via the LPRT Network.
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Kim Thomas d. 17 Lucia Gonzalez, 11-3, 11-13, 11-7, 11-5
9 Sofia Rascon - BYE
8 Da'monique Davis - BYE
5 Samantha Salas - BYE
12 Susana Acosta d. 21 Jordan Cooperrider, 11-2, 11-7, 11-7
20 Gabriela Martinez d. 13 Sheryl Lotts, 7-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-1
4 Frédérique Lambert - BYE
3 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
14 Alexandra Herrera d. 19 T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-0, 11-0, 11-0
11 Veronica Sotomayor d. 22 Erika Manilla, 11-4, 11-2, 11-5
6 Cristina Amaya - BYE
7 Michelle Key - BYE
10 Cheryl Gudinas d. 23 Andrea Martinez Gonzalez, 11-2, 11-0, 11-2
18 Maria Paz Muñoz d. 15 Adrienne Haynes, 8-11, 11-6, 4-11, 11-5, 11-4
2 Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 16 Kim Thomas
8 Da'monique Davis v. 9 Sofia Rascon
5 Samantha Salas v. 12 Susana Acosta
4 Frédérique Lambert v. 20 Gabriela Martinez
3 Rhonda Rajsich v. 14 Alexandra Herrera
6 Cristina Amaya v. 11 Veronica Sotomayor
7 Michelle Key v. 10 Cheryl Gudinas
2 Maria Jose Vargas v. 18 Maria Paz Muñoz
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, April 16, 2015
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am Preview
The draw for this weekend's Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) the Mile High Pro/Am in Denver has been released. There are several interesting potential matches in a field that has 18 of the top 21 LPRT players, including the top 14 players.
The biggest question may be can anyone defeat Paola Longoria, the LPRT's #1 player, who has won seven LPRT events this season. She's been defeated twice - by LPRT #3 Rhonda Rajsich and LPRT #4 Frédérique Lambert, which is twice more than she lost in the previous three seasons.
Thus, Longoria's the favourite anytime she's in the draw.
But aside from her matches there are others to look for in Denver. One is a potential quarterfinal battle between Lambert and 5th ranked Samantha Salas. They are very close in the rankings, and although Lambert is narrowly ahead of Salas, she's never defeated the Salas. She'd love to do so in Denver.
Other potential matches of interest include Cristina Amaya versus Veronica Sotomayor. Amaya is the higher ranked player, but Sotomayor defeated her earlier this month in the semi-finals of the Pan American Championships. Thus, Amaya will want to win for revenge, and Sotomayor will want to show that win wasn't a fluke.
Then there will be some Round of 16 matches that will have implications for the US Team race between Da'monique Davis, Michelle Key and Cheryl Gudinas. Davis plays Mexican Sofia Rason in the 8/9 match, and that will be a close one. Key and Gudinas will play in the 16 provided Gudinas defeats unranked Andrea Martinez Gonzalez.
USA Racquetball awards two spots on its National Team to the two highest ranked LPRT players at season's end. Rajsich will claim one of those spots, and the second is down to Davis, Key and Gudinas with Sheryl Lotts having an outside chance.
Key is currently ahead in the race, but it's close, so an outstanding performance by any of the four in Denver could give them an advantage going into the last two events of the season: next weekend's Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, and then the Ektelon Pro Nationals in Herndon, Virginia May 15-17.
With the world's top racquetball players in Denver, there are sure to be excellent matches all weekend long. If you're not there, you can watch the action via the LPRT Network.
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Kim Thomas v. 17 Lucia Gonzalez
9 Sofia Rascon - BYE
8 Da'monique Davis - BYE
5 Samantha Salas - BYE
12 Susana Acosta v. 21 Jordan Cooperrider
13 Sheryl Lotts v. 20 Gabriela Martinez
4 Frédérique Lambert - BYE
3 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
14 Alexandra Herrera v. 19 T. J. Baumbaugh
11 Veronica Sotomayor v. 22 Erika Manilla
6 Cristina Amaya - BYE
7 Michelle Key - BYE
10 Cheryl Gudinas v. 23 Andrea Martinez Gonzalez
15 Adrienne Haynes v. 18 Maria Paz Muñoz
2 Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
The biggest question may be can anyone defeat Paola Longoria, the LPRT's #1 player, who has won seven LPRT events this season. She's been defeated twice - by LPRT #3 Rhonda Rajsich and LPRT #4 Frédérique Lambert, which is twice more than she lost in the previous three seasons.
Thus, Longoria's the favourite anytime she's in the draw.
But aside from her matches there are others to look for in Denver. One is a potential quarterfinal battle between Lambert and 5th ranked Samantha Salas. They are very close in the rankings, and although Lambert is narrowly ahead of Salas, she's never defeated the Salas. She'd love to do so in Denver.
Other potential matches of interest include Cristina Amaya versus Veronica Sotomayor. Amaya is the higher ranked player, but Sotomayor defeated her earlier this month in the semi-finals of the Pan American Championships. Thus, Amaya will want to win for revenge, and Sotomayor will want to show that win wasn't a fluke.
Then there will be some Round of 16 matches that will have implications for the US Team race between Da'monique Davis, Michelle Key and Cheryl Gudinas. Davis plays Mexican Sofia Rason in the 8/9 match, and that will be a close one. Key and Gudinas will play in the 16 provided Gudinas defeats unranked Andrea Martinez Gonzalez.
USA Racquetball awards two spots on its National Team to the two highest ranked LPRT players at season's end. Rajsich will claim one of those spots, and the second is down to Davis, Key and Gudinas with Sheryl Lotts having an outside chance.
Key is currently ahead in the race, but it's close, so an outstanding performance by any of the four in Denver could give them an advantage going into the last two events of the season: next weekend's Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, and then the Ektelon Pro Nationals in Herndon, Virginia May 15-17.
With the world's top racquetball players in Denver, there are sure to be excellent matches all weekend long. If you're not there, you can watch the action via the LPRT Network.
LPRT Mile High Pro-Am
Denver, Colorado
(with seeding)
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Kim Thomas v. 17 Lucia Gonzalez
9 Sofia Rascon - BYE
8 Da'monique Davis - BYE
5 Samantha Salas - BYE
12 Susana Acosta v. 21 Jordan Cooperrider
13 Sheryl Lotts v. 20 Gabriela Martinez
4 Frédérique Lambert - BYE
3 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
14 Alexandra Herrera v. 19 T. J. Baumbaugh
11 Veronica Sotomayor v. 22 Erika Manilla
6 Cristina Amaya - BYE
7 Michelle Key - BYE
10 Cheryl Gudinas v. 23 Andrea Martinez Gonzalez
15 Adrienne Haynes v. 18 Maria Paz Muñoz
2 Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
LPRT Rankings & Mile High Pro Am Preview
Ahead of this weekend's Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) event in Denver - the Mile High Pro/Am, we're reviewing the latest LPRT rankings. Paola Longoria continues to be the #1 player followed by Maria Jose Vargas at #2 and Rhonda Rajsich at #3.
But Frédérique Lambert has moved ahead of Samantha Salas into 4th. Salas is 5th, and she's missed some events this season with injuries.
Cristina Amaya remains 6th, but Michelle Key is 7th, Da'monique Davis 8th, and Sofia Rascon is 9th. Key and Rascon are at career highs. Cheryl Gudinas rounds out the top 10.
A few other players are at career highs in the 10-20 positions. Alexandra Herrera is 14th, Kim Thomas 18th, Maria Renee Rodriguez 19th, and Lucia Gonzalez 20th. All career highs.
The Mile High Pro-Am in Denver begins Friday, and it has a very strong field, as 18 of the top 21 LPRT players, with the top 14 players inclusive, competing at the Denver Athletic Club, one of the finer facilities on the tour.
The battle for 4th spot in the rankings is close, with Lambert narrowly ahead of Salas. They will be on track to meet in the quarterfinals, and although Lambert is one of only two players (with Rajsich) to defeat Longoria in the last four seasons, she has yet to defeat Salas on tour.
A Round of 16 match up to look out for will be Cristina Amaya and Veronica Sotomayor, as Amaya is the higher ranked player, but Sotomayor defeated her earlier this month in the semi-finals of the Pan American Championships. Thus, Amaya will want to win for revenge, and Sotomayor will want to show that win wasn't a fluke.
With the world's top racquetball players in Denver, there are sure to be excellent matches all weekend long. If you're not there, you can watch the action via the LPRT Network.
LPRT Rankings - March 24, 2015
Rank - Name - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 2529.00
2 Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) 1881.00
3 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1529.48
4 Frédérique Lambert (Canada) 729.00
5 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 717.00
6 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 689.50
7 Michelle Key (USA) 471.05
8 Da'monique Davis (USA) 468.75
9 Sofia Rascon (Mexico) 442.50
10 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 436.50
11 Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) 413.00
12 Susana Acosta (Mexico) 400.50
13 Sheryl Lotts (USA) 348.54
14 Alexandra Herrera (Mexico) 315.50
15 Jessica Parrilla (Mexico) 297.44
16 Carla Muñoz (Chile) 250.50
17 Adrienne Haynes (USA) 231.75
18 Kim Thomas (USA) 199.04
19 Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala) 183.25
20 Lucia Gonzalez (Mexico) 181.00
Mile High Pro-Am Participants (with seeding)
Denver, Colorado
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico)
2 Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
3 Rhonda Rajsich (USA)
4 Frédérique Lambert (Canada)
5 Samantha Salas (Mexico)
6 Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
7 Michelle Key (USA)
8 Da'monique Davis (USA)
9 Sofia Rascon (Mexico)
10 Cheryl Gudinas (USA)
11 Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador)
12 Susana Acosta (Mexico)
13 Sheryl Lotts (USA)
14 Alexandra Herrera (Mexico)
15 Adrienne Haynes (USA)
16 Kim Thomas (USA)
17 Lucia Gonzalez (Mexico)
18 Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador)
19 T. J. Baumbaugh (USA)
20 Gabriella Martinez (Guatemala)
NR Jordan Cooperrider (USA)
NR Erika Manilla (USA)
NR Andrea Martinez Gonzalez (Guatemala)
Follow the bouncing ball....
But Frédérique Lambert has moved ahead of Samantha Salas into 4th. Salas is 5th, and she's missed some events this season with injuries.
Cristina Amaya remains 6th, but Michelle Key is 7th, Da'monique Davis 8th, and Sofia Rascon is 9th. Key and Rascon are at career highs. Cheryl Gudinas rounds out the top 10.
A few other players are at career highs in the 10-20 positions. Alexandra Herrera is 14th, Kim Thomas 18th, Maria Renee Rodriguez 19th, and Lucia Gonzalez 20th. All career highs.
The Mile High Pro-Am in Denver begins Friday, and it has a very strong field, as 18 of the top 21 LPRT players, with the top 14 players inclusive, competing at the Denver Athletic Club, one of the finer facilities on the tour.
The battle for 4th spot in the rankings is close, with Lambert narrowly ahead of Salas. They will be on track to meet in the quarterfinals, and although Lambert is one of only two players (with Rajsich) to defeat Longoria in the last four seasons, she has yet to defeat Salas on tour.
A Round of 16 match up to look out for will be Cristina Amaya and Veronica Sotomayor, as Amaya is the higher ranked player, but Sotomayor defeated her earlier this month in the semi-finals of the Pan American Championships. Thus, Amaya will want to win for revenge, and Sotomayor will want to show that win wasn't a fluke.
With the world's top racquetball players in Denver, there are sure to be excellent matches all weekend long. If you're not there, you can watch the action via the LPRT Network.
LPRT Rankings - March 24, 2015
Rank - Name - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 2529.00
2 Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) 1881.00
3 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1529.48
4 Frédérique Lambert (Canada) 729.00
5 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 717.00
6 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 689.50
7 Michelle Key (USA) 471.05
8 Da'monique Davis (USA) 468.75
9 Sofia Rascon (Mexico) 442.50
10 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 436.50
11 Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) 413.00
12 Susana Acosta (Mexico) 400.50
13 Sheryl Lotts (USA) 348.54
14 Alexandra Herrera (Mexico) 315.50
15 Jessica Parrilla (Mexico) 297.44
16 Carla Muñoz (Chile) 250.50
17 Adrienne Haynes (USA) 231.75
18 Kim Thomas (USA) 199.04
19 Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala) 183.25
20 Lucia Gonzalez (Mexico) 181.00
Mile High Pro-Am Participants (with seeding)
Denver, Colorado
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico)
2 Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
3 Rhonda Rajsich (USA)
4 Frédérique Lambert (Canada)
5 Samantha Salas (Mexico)
6 Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
7 Michelle Key (USA)
8 Da'monique Davis (USA)
9 Sofia Rascon (Mexico)
10 Cheryl Gudinas (USA)
11 Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador)
12 Susana Acosta (Mexico)
13 Sheryl Lotts (USA)
14 Alexandra Herrera (Mexico)
15 Adrienne Haynes (USA)
16 Kim Thomas (USA)
17 Lucia Gonzalez (Mexico)
18 Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador)
19 T. J. Baumbaugh (USA)
20 Gabriella Martinez (Guatemala)
NR Jordan Cooperrider (USA)
NR Erika Manilla (USA)
NR Andrea Martinez Gonzalez (Guatemala)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Beltran & Carson win IRT Long Beach Open
Top seeds Alvaro Beltran and Rocky Carson won their second doubles event of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season Saturday, as they won the final of the Long Beach Open in Long Beach, California. But significantly they played 3rd seeds Daniel De La Rosa and Jose Rojas in the final, winning 15-4, 15-6.
De La Rosa and Rojas were upset winners in the semi-finals, taking out 2nd seeds Ben Croft and Kane Waselenchuk, 15-14, 7-15, 11-6. The other semi-final was close too, as Beltran and Carson also needed a tie-breaker to defeat 4th seeds Jansen Allen and Charlie Pratt, 15-3, 6-15, 11-9.
Both previous pro doubles finals this season were between Beltran and Carson and Croft and Waselenchuk with each team winning once. If they met on Saturday, it would have been the season tie-breaker. But De La Rosa and Rojas prevented that opportunity.
There are three events left on the 2014-15 IRT schedule with the next on being the Krowning Moment Pro Invitational in Edinburg, Texas, April 30-May3. That will be followed by the Pro Kennex Tournament of Champions in Portland, Oregon May 14-17, and finally the Fresno Summer Kickoff Pro/Am in Fresno, California May 28-31.
2015 Long Beach Open
Long Beach, California - April 9-11, 2015
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. 4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt, 15-3, 6-15, 11-9
3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas d. 2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk, 15-14, 7-15, 11-6
Final - Saturday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. 3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas, 15-4, 15-6
Follow the bouncing ball….
De La Rosa and Rojas were upset winners in the semi-finals, taking out 2nd seeds Ben Croft and Kane Waselenchuk, 15-14, 7-15, 11-6. The other semi-final was close too, as Beltran and Carson also needed a tie-breaker to defeat 4th seeds Jansen Allen and Charlie Pratt, 15-3, 6-15, 11-9.
Both previous pro doubles finals this season were between Beltran and Carson and Croft and Waselenchuk with each team winning once. If they met on Saturday, it would have been the season tie-breaker. But De La Rosa and Rojas prevented that opportunity.
There are three events left on the 2014-15 IRT schedule with the next on being the Krowning Moment Pro Invitational in Edinburg, Texas, April 30-May3. That will be followed by the Pro Kennex Tournament of Champions in Portland, Oregon May 14-17, and finally the Fresno Summer Kickoff Pro/Am in Fresno, California May 28-31.
2015 Long Beach Open
Long Beach, California - April 9-11, 2015
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. 4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt, 15-3, 6-15, 11-9
3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas d. 2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk, 15-14, 7-15, 11-6
Final - Saturday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. 3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas, 15-4, 15-6
Follow the bouncing ball….
Friday, April 10, 2015
IRT Long Beach Open Quarterfinals
There were no upsets in the quarterfinals at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Long Beach Open in Long Beach, California, but 4th seeds Jansen Allen and Charlie Pratt won by the narrowest of margins against 12th seeds Scott Davis and Tom Durham, 14-15, 15-6, 11-10.
Allen and Pratt were up in game one, 14-12, only to see Davis and Durham come back to win it. Then they won game two comfortably, but in the breaker it was Davis and Durham - local favourites with great crowd support - who led all the way in the game. At one point, they were up 7-1, and looked like they would have their second big upset in as many days.
Davis and Durham had three match points at 10-7 and then twice at 10-9. Davis skipped on the first, and Pratt and Allen hit winners on the second and third, respectively. The final points were off skips by Durham, but the skips were forced, as Allen and Pratt were hitting more balls to him late to avoid the hot shooting Davis.
The strategy almost didn't work, as Durham hit a shot behind Pratt, down the left side, that got him and Davis back in the service box at 10-9.
But the top 10 IRT players did what they should do and converting their chances and fighting off match point.
In the other quarterfinals, top seeds Alvaro Beltran and Rocky Carson defeated 8th seeds Jake Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco, 15-10, 15-9, and 2nd seeds Ben Croft and Kane Waselenchuk beat 7th seeds David Horn and Mario Mercado, 15-0, 15-10.
But the 3rd seeds Daniel De La Rosa and Jose Rojas needed three games to fend off the wily veterans Chris Crowther and Javier Moreno, 15-13, 9-15, 11-7. The young guys got up 4-0 in the tie-breaker - helped by De La Rosa hitting straight lobs to Crowther on the right side, and never trailed, although Crowther and Moreno did close it to one point at 5-4 and 8-7.
The IRT Network will have both semi-finals Saturday from 10 AM PDT and the final Saturday afternoon at 5 PM PDT.
2015 Long Beach Open
Long Beach, California - April 9-11, 2015
Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. 8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco, 15-10, 15-9
4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt d. 12) Scott Davis & Tom Durham, 14-15, 15-6, 11-10
3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas d. 6) Chris Crowther & Javier Moreno, 15-13, 9-15, 11-7
2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk d. 7) David Horn & Mario Mercado, 15-0, 15-10
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson v. 4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt - 10 AM PDT
2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk v. 3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas - 11 AM PDT
Follow the bouncing ball….
Allen and Pratt were up in game one, 14-12, only to see Davis and Durham come back to win it. Then they won game two comfortably, but in the breaker it was Davis and Durham - local favourites with great crowd support - who led all the way in the game. At one point, they were up 7-1, and looked like they would have their second big upset in as many days.
Davis and Durham had three match points at 10-7 and then twice at 10-9. Davis skipped on the first, and Pratt and Allen hit winners on the second and third, respectively. The final points were off skips by Durham, but the skips were forced, as Allen and Pratt were hitting more balls to him late to avoid the hot shooting Davis.
The strategy almost didn't work, as Durham hit a shot behind Pratt, down the left side, that got him and Davis back in the service box at 10-9.
But the top 10 IRT players did what they should do and converting their chances and fighting off match point.
In the other quarterfinals, top seeds Alvaro Beltran and Rocky Carson defeated 8th seeds Jake Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco, 15-10, 15-9, and 2nd seeds Ben Croft and Kane Waselenchuk beat 7th seeds David Horn and Mario Mercado, 15-0, 15-10.
But the 3rd seeds Daniel De La Rosa and Jose Rojas needed three games to fend off the wily veterans Chris Crowther and Javier Moreno, 15-13, 9-15, 11-7. The young guys got up 4-0 in the tie-breaker - helped by De La Rosa hitting straight lobs to Crowther on the right side, and never trailed, although Crowther and Moreno did close it to one point at 5-4 and 8-7.
The IRT Network will have both semi-finals Saturday from 10 AM PDT and the final Saturday afternoon at 5 PM PDT.
2015 Long Beach Open
Long Beach, California - April 9-11, 2015
Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. 8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco, 15-10, 15-9
4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt d. 12) Scott Davis & Tom Durham, 14-15, 15-6, 11-10
3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas d. 6) Chris Crowther & Javier Moreno, 15-13, 9-15, 11-7
2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk d. 7) David Horn & Mario Mercado, 15-0, 15-10
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson v. 4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt - 10 AM PDT
2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk v. 3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas - 11 AM PDT
Follow the bouncing ball….
IRT 2015 Long Beach Open - Round of 16
Big upset at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Long Beach Open in Long Beach, California Friday, as the team of Scott Davis and Tom Durham, seeded 12th, defeated 5th seeds Jose Diaz and Marco Rojas, 15-13, 2-15, 11-7. This is a doubles only event.
The win puts Davis and Durham into the quarterfinals against 4th seeds Jansen Allen and Charlie Pratt on Friday.
The other first round matches went according to the seeding and were won in two straight games by comfortable margins.
Kudos to Jason Mannino and John Scott, who played their match versus Jake Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco, as a fundraiser for the IRT Network will have all of the quarterfinal action beginning Friday at 4 PM PST. The semi-finals and final will both be on Saturday, with the former are 10 and 11 AM and the latter at 5 PM.
2015 Long Beach Open
Long Beach, California - April 9-11, 2015
Round of 16 - Thursday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson - BYE
8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 9) Jason Mannino & John Scott, 15-9, 15-4
12) Scott Davis & Tom Durham d. 5) Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas, 15-13, 2-15, 11-7
4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt d. 13) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr, forfeit
3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas - BYE
6) Chris Crowther & Javier Moreno d. 11) Eric Harper & Majeed Shahin, 15-6, 15-1
7) David Horn & Mario Mercado d. 10) Keith Minor & Brian Pineda, 15-4, 15-6
2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk - BYE
Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson v. 8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - 5 PM PDT
12) Scott Davis & Tom Durham v. 4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt - 7 PM PDT
3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas v. 6) Chris Crowther & Javier Moreno - 6 PM PDT
2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk v. 7) David Horn & Mario Mercado - 4 PM PDT
Follow the bouncing ball….
The win puts Davis and Durham into the quarterfinals against 4th seeds Jansen Allen and Charlie Pratt on Friday.
The other first round matches went according to the seeding and were won in two straight games by comfortable margins.
Kudos to Jason Mannino and John Scott, who played their match versus Jake Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco, as a fundraiser for the IRT Network will have all of the quarterfinal action beginning Friday at 4 PM PST. The semi-finals and final will both be on Saturday, with the former are 10 and 11 AM and the latter at 5 PM.
2015 Long Beach Open
Long Beach, California - April 9-11, 2015
Round of 16 - Thursday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson - BYE
8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 9) Jason Mannino & John Scott, 15-9, 15-4
12) Scott Davis & Tom Durham d. 5) Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas, 15-13, 2-15, 11-7
4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt d. 13) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr, forfeit
3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas - BYE
6) Chris Crowther & Javier Moreno d. 11) Eric Harper & Majeed Shahin, 15-6, 15-1
7) David Horn & Mario Mercado d. 10) Keith Minor & Brian Pineda, 15-4, 15-6
2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk - BYE
Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson v. 8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - 5 PM PDT
12) Scott Davis & Tom Durham v. 4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt - 7 PM PDT
3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas v. 6) Chris Crowther & Javier Moreno - 6 PM PDT
2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk v. 7) David Horn & Mario Mercado - 4 PM PDT
Follow the bouncing ball….
Thursday, April 9, 2015
IRT Long Beach Open - Doubles Preview
The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is holding a doubles only event in Long Beach, California this weekend, as the Long Beach Open takes place at the Belmont Athletic Club.
This will be the third IRT doubles event of the year to go with the US Open last October in Minneapolis and the Lewis Drug tournament in January in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Alvaro Beltran and Rocky Carson faced off against Ben Croft and Kane Waselenchuk in both finals of those events with Croft and Waselenchuk winning in Minneapolis and Beltran and Carson winning in Sioux Falls.
Thus, if they meet in the final Saturday night in Long Beach, it'll be their rubber match for the season. One would have to think they are odds on to do that, although there are several other good teams in Long Beach.
Daniel De La Rosa and Jose Rojas are the 3rd seeds, and Jansen Allen and Charlie Pratt are 4th seeds. Both are threats to knock off the 1st seed Beltran and Carson or 2nd seed Croft and Waselenchuk. Also, Jose Diaz and Marco Rojas, Chris Crowther and Javier Moreno, Jake Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco, and David Horn and Mario Mercado are no slouches.
You can follow the action via the IRT Network. The first round matches are scheduled for 6 and 7 PM PDT on Thursday with the quarterfinals on Friday at 4, 5, 6, and 7 PM. Then the semi-finals and final will both be on Saturday, with the former are 10 and 11 AM and the latter at 5 PM.
2015 Long Beach Open
Long Beach, California - April 9-11, 2015
Round of 16 - Thursday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson - BYE
8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 9) Jason Mannino & John Scott
5) Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas v. 12) Scott Davis & Tom Durham
4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt v. 13) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr
3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas - BYE
6) Chris Crowther & Javier Moreno v. 11) Eric Harper & Majeed Shahin
7) David Horn & Mario Mercado v. 10) Keith Minor & Brian Pineda
2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
This will be the third IRT doubles event of the year to go with the US Open last October in Minneapolis and the Lewis Drug tournament in January in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Alvaro Beltran and Rocky Carson faced off against Ben Croft and Kane Waselenchuk in both finals of those events with Croft and Waselenchuk winning in Minneapolis and Beltran and Carson winning in Sioux Falls.
Thus, if they meet in the final Saturday night in Long Beach, it'll be their rubber match for the season. One would have to think they are odds on to do that, although there are several other good teams in Long Beach.
Daniel De La Rosa and Jose Rojas are the 3rd seeds, and Jansen Allen and Charlie Pratt are 4th seeds. Both are threats to knock off the 1st seed Beltran and Carson or 2nd seed Croft and Waselenchuk. Also, Jose Diaz and Marco Rojas, Chris Crowther and Javier Moreno, Jake Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco, and David Horn and Mario Mercado are no slouches.
You can follow the action via the IRT Network. The first round matches are scheduled for 6 and 7 PM PDT on Thursday with the quarterfinals on Friday at 4, 5, 6, and 7 PM. Then the semi-finals and final will both be on Saturday, with the former are 10 and 11 AM and the latter at 5 PM.
2015 Long Beach Open
Long Beach, California - April 9-11, 2015
Round of 16 - Thursday
1) Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson - BYE
8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 9) Jason Mannino & John Scott
5) Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas v. 12) Scott Davis & Tom Durham
4) Jansen Allen & Charlie Pratt v. 13) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr
3) Daniel De La Rosa & Jose Rojas - BYE
6) Chris Crowther & Javier Moreno v. 11) Eric Harper & Majeed Shahin
7) David Horn & Mario Mercado v. 10) Keith Minor & Brian Pineda
2) Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Intercollegiate Racquetball - A review
The 2015 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Championships wrapped up at the end of March, but as the Pan American Championships were going on last week, we didn't have a chance to review the collegiate champs and where they fit in with recent champions.
With her second title, Kelani Bailey of Shenandoah University joined an impressive list of multiple intercollegiate champions, including two time winners Sharon Jackson, Adrienne Fisher, Kristen Walsh, Christie Van Hees, Cindy Doyle, Crystal Fried, Kathy Gluvna, Barbara Faulkenberry, and three time winners Kristen Walsh and Tammy Brockbank.
Of the 10 women to previously win multiple collegiate, 9 of them played for their country internationally. Only Fisher hasn't. Van Hees and Fried played for Canada and the rest for the USA.
Thus, Bailey, who's been on the USA Junior Team, will likely be making a USA Team appearance in the future.
Elizabeth Simmons and Lindsay Rasmussen of the University of Arizona also won a second time in Women's Doubles, and their titles are back to back. A few teams have done that in the past including Jackson and Kara Mazer (2009, 2010), Lisa Faquin and Renee Trammell (1982, 1983) and Robin Levine and Kelly Pullis, who won three consecutive titles: 1987-1989.
Some other women won multiple doubles titles, but not with the same partners, including two time winners Ashley Willhite, Da'monique Davis, Kristen Walsh, Elle Summers, Susana Acosta, Britt Engel, Chris Deer, Heather Dunn, Jen Yokota, three time winner Mazer, and Jackson, who won Women's Doubles all four years at Alambama, twice with Mazer and once each with Brittany Travers and Madeleine Angles.
2015 Men's Intercollegiate Champion Adam Manilla of the University of Colorado-Boulder isn't yet a multiple champion in Men's Singles or Men's Doubles, but he did win both those divisions this year, taking the doubles title with Nick Riffel. Thus, he joins a short list of men to have won both titles in the same year.
The list includes Taylor Knoth, Jansen Allen, Jose Rojas, Tony Carson, Ben Croft, Javier Moreno, Luis Bustillos, Shane Wood, and Andy Roberts. In fact in the last eleven years, the Men's Singles champion has also won Men's Doubles eight times, including Manilla's victories this year.
Predictive of future excellence?
Bailey and Manilla had great wins this year, but will they win more in the future? As they were multiple winners (in different ways), the players that had similar achievements in the past did go on to bigger things, which suggests Bailey and Manilla will also.
But it's not a sure thing. One of the interesting things from the list of the top four intercollegiate finishers from 5-10 years ago, and see what names are recognizable. Or put another way, wonder what happened to the players who's names aren't recognizable, which happens especially with the 3rd and 4th place finishers.
Thirty women finished in the top four in Women's Singles or Women's Doubles at intercollegiates between 2006-2010, and ten of them have active rankings in the USA Racquetball database (two players aren't in the database and the others come up as a zero ranking). Of those ten, six played on the Ladies Profession Racquetball Tour (LPRT) this year.
Thirty men also finished in the top four in Men's Singles or Men's Doubles at intercollegiates between 2006-2010. Sixteen of them have current USA Racquetball rankings, and three others played International Racquetball Tour (IRT) events in the intervening years. Of the sixteen, six are currently in the top IRT 20.
Of course, not having a current ranking doesn't mean the person isn't still playing racquetball, but for people who were highly competitive players, it's not a good sign that they haven't played a tournament in the last 13 months (the period covered by the USA Racquetball rankings).
Thus, excellence at one level is somewhat predictive of excellence at a higher level, although some of the players who were successful at intercollegiate had already established themselves as good players on the pro tours.
Playing beyond university
People recently talked to us about trying to capture racquetball players who are introduced to racquetball in university to keep them playing after they graduate. It's a great idea, and the data presented above suggest that not everyone is being captured out of university, although again tournament ranking is not an absolute measure of racquetball involvement.
But we think it'll be tricky to implement any strategy to retain collegiate racquetballers, as the period people spend at university is often separate from the rest of their lives.
This is especially so if people go away to university. Then after graduating people often move somewhere else, where they may or may not have easy access to racquetball courts. Thus, even if they were regular racquetball players in university, they may not be afterwards simply due to court access.
Nevertheless, marketing to graduating university players is an idea worth pursuing. We support any initiative to bring more people to racquetball, and especially initiatives aimed at the under 35 demographic, which is currently underrepresented in racquetball.
USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Champions
Women's Singles
2015
1) Kelani Bailey (Shenandoah)
2) Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona)
3) Hannah Shnurman (Northern Colorado)
4) Rachel Creel (Oregon State)
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 Hettesheimer (Baldwin Wallace)
2006
1. Adrienne Fisher (University of Alabama)
2. Ashley Legget (Oregon State)
3. Jesi Fuller (University of New Mexico)
4. Allison Dauer (North Carolina)
Women's Doubles
2015
1) Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona)
2) Rachel Creel & Sarah Lewis (Oregon State)
3) Anna Schwartz & Madeline Gauch (Missouri)
4) Stefanie Nissley & Kerry Ryan (Pennsylvania State)
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)
2008
1. Alyssa Asay & Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)
2. Mallory Parry & Darla Wenger (Brigham Young)
3. Sarah Hettesheimer & Tyler Fridley (Baldwin Wallace)
4. Kara Mazer & Brittany Travers (University of Alabama)
2007
1. Da'monique Davis & Kara Mazer (University of Alabama)
2. Sarah Hettesheimer & Kristin Matushevski (Baldwin Wallace)
3. Michelle Key & Jessica Montemayor (Arizona State)
4. Mallory Parry & Katherine Affeltranger (Brigham Young)
2006
1. Ashley Legget & Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)
2. Da'monique Davis & Kelley Fisher (University of Alabama)
3. Jesi Fuller & Natalie Alexia Lopez (New Mexico State)
4. Gretchen Miller & Kristen Karl (Pennsylvania State)
Men's Singles
2015
1) Adam Manilla (Colorado)
2) Marco Rojas (University of the Pacific)
3) Dylan Reid (Washington University)
4) Brad Schopieray (Colorado State)
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. Tony 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)
2006
1. Ben Croft (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2. Agustin Tristan (University of Alabama)
3. Mike Harmon (Manatee Community College)
4. Louis Vogel (University of New Mexico)
Men's Doubles
2015
1) Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado)
2) Jacob Matthews & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State)
4) Jon Lanford & Alex Howard (Texas)
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 Fuller & Zach Apperson (Baldwin Wallace)
2008
1. Tony Carson & Charlie Pratt (Colorado State)
2. Harry Fuller & Zach Apperson (Baldwin Wallace)
3. David Laforest & Joey Lakowske (Oregon State)
4. Allan Crockett & Jonathan Doyle (University of Alabama)
2007
1. Ben Croft & Mitch Williams (Colorado State)
2. Chris Crockett & Shane Karmelin (University of Alabama)
3. Harry Fuller & Zach Apperson (Baldwin Wallace)
4. Marco Hidalgo & Evan Ussery (New Mexico State)
2006
1. Ben Croft & Mitch Williams (Colorado State)
2. Augustin Tristan & Shane Karmelin (University of Alabama)
3. Scott Perryman & Jared Torres (Brigham Young)
4. Joe Linnell & Benjamin Toth (Ohio State)
Follow the bouncing ball....
With her second title, Kelani Bailey of Shenandoah University joined an impressive list of multiple intercollegiate champions, including two time winners Sharon Jackson, Adrienne Fisher, Kristen Walsh, Christie Van Hees, Cindy Doyle, Crystal Fried, Kathy Gluvna, Barbara Faulkenberry, and three time winners Kristen Walsh and Tammy Brockbank.
Of the 10 women to previously win multiple collegiate, 9 of them played for their country internationally. Only Fisher hasn't. Van Hees and Fried played for Canada and the rest for the USA.
Thus, Bailey, who's been on the USA Junior Team, will likely be making a USA Team appearance in the future.
Elizabeth Simmons and Lindsay Rasmussen of the University of Arizona also won a second time in Women's Doubles, and their titles are back to back. A few teams have done that in the past including Jackson and Kara Mazer (2009, 2010), Lisa Faquin and Renee Trammell (1982, 1983) and Robin Levine and Kelly Pullis, who won three consecutive titles: 1987-1989.
Some other women won multiple doubles titles, but not with the same partners, including two time winners Ashley Willhite, Da'monique Davis, Kristen Walsh, Elle Summers, Susana Acosta, Britt Engel, Chris Deer, Heather Dunn, Jen Yokota, three time winner Mazer, and Jackson, who won Women's Doubles all four years at Alambama, twice with Mazer and once each with Brittany Travers and Madeleine Angles.
2015 Men's Intercollegiate Champion Adam Manilla of the University of Colorado-Boulder isn't yet a multiple champion in Men's Singles or Men's Doubles, but he did win both those divisions this year, taking the doubles title with Nick Riffel. Thus, he joins a short list of men to have won both titles in the same year.
The list includes Taylor Knoth, Jansen Allen, Jose Rojas, Tony Carson, Ben Croft, Javier Moreno, Luis Bustillos, Shane Wood, and Andy Roberts. In fact in the last eleven years, the Men's Singles champion has also won Men's Doubles eight times, including Manilla's victories this year.
Predictive of future excellence?
Bailey and Manilla had great wins this year, but will they win more in the future? As they were multiple winners (in different ways), the players that had similar achievements in the past did go on to bigger things, which suggests Bailey and Manilla will also.
But it's not a sure thing. One of the interesting things from the list of the top four intercollegiate finishers from 5-10 years ago, and see what names are recognizable. Or put another way, wonder what happened to the players who's names aren't recognizable, which happens especially with the 3rd and 4th place finishers.
Thirty women finished in the top four in Women's Singles or Women's Doubles at intercollegiates between 2006-2010, and ten of them have active rankings in the USA Racquetball database (two players aren't in the database and the others come up as a zero ranking). Of those ten, six played on the Ladies Profession Racquetball Tour (LPRT) this year.
Thirty men also finished in the top four in Men's Singles or Men's Doubles at intercollegiates between 2006-2010. Sixteen of them have current USA Racquetball rankings, and three others played International Racquetball Tour (IRT) events in the intervening years. Of the sixteen, six are currently in the top IRT 20.
Of course, not having a current ranking doesn't mean the person isn't still playing racquetball, but for people who were highly competitive players, it's not a good sign that they haven't played a tournament in the last 13 months (the period covered by the USA Racquetball rankings).
Thus, excellence at one level is somewhat predictive of excellence at a higher level, although some of the players who were successful at intercollegiate had already established themselves as good players on the pro tours.
Playing beyond university
People recently talked to us about trying to capture racquetball players who are introduced to racquetball in university to keep them playing after they graduate. It's a great idea, and the data presented above suggest that not everyone is being captured out of university, although again tournament ranking is not an absolute measure of racquetball involvement.
But we think it'll be tricky to implement any strategy to retain collegiate racquetballers, as the period people spend at university is often separate from the rest of their lives.
This is especially so if people go away to university. Then after graduating people often move somewhere else, where they may or may not have easy access to racquetball courts. Thus, even if they were regular racquetball players in university, they may not be afterwards simply due to court access.
Nevertheless, marketing to graduating university players is an idea worth pursuing. We support any initiative to bring more people to racquetball, and especially initiatives aimed at the under 35 demographic, which is currently underrepresented in racquetball.
USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Champions
Women's Singles
2015
1) Kelani Bailey (Shenandoah)
2) Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona)
3) Hannah Shnurman (Northern Colorado)
4) Rachel Creel (Oregon State)
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 Hettesheimer (Baldwin Wallace)
2006
1. Adrienne Fisher (University of Alabama)
2. Ashley Legget (Oregon State)
3. Jesi Fuller (University of New Mexico)
4. Allison Dauer (North Carolina)
Women's Doubles
2015
1) Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona)
2) Rachel Creel & Sarah Lewis (Oregon State)
3) Anna Schwartz & Madeline Gauch (Missouri)
4) Stefanie Nissley & Kerry Ryan (Pennsylvania State)
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)
2008
1. Alyssa Asay & Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)
2. Mallory Parry & Darla Wenger (Brigham Young)
3. Sarah Hettesheimer & Tyler Fridley (Baldwin Wallace)
4. Kara Mazer & Brittany Travers (University of Alabama)
2007
1. Da'monique Davis & Kara Mazer (University of Alabama)
2. Sarah Hettesheimer & Kristin Matushevski (Baldwin Wallace)
3. Michelle Key & Jessica Montemayor (Arizona State)
4. Mallory Parry & Katherine Affeltranger (Brigham Young)
2006
1. Ashley Legget & Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)
2. Da'monique Davis & Kelley Fisher (University of Alabama)
3. Jesi Fuller & Natalie Alexia Lopez (New Mexico State)
4. Gretchen Miller & Kristen Karl (Pennsylvania State)
Men's Singles
2015
1) Adam Manilla (Colorado)
2) Marco Rojas (University of the Pacific)
3) Dylan Reid (Washington University)
4) Brad Schopieray (Colorado State)
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. Tony 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)
2006
1. Ben Croft (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2. Agustin Tristan (University of Alabama)
3. Mike Harmon (Manatee Community College)
4. Louis Vogel (University of New Mexico)
Men's Doubles
2015
1) Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado)
2) Jacob Matthews & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State)
4) Jon Lanford & Alex Howard (Texas)
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 Fuller & Zach Apperson (Baldwin Wallace)
2008
1. Tony Carson & Charlie Pratt (Colorado State)
2. Harry Fuller & Zach Apperson (Baldwin Wallace)
3. David Laforest & Joey Lakowske (Oregon State)
4. Allan Crockett & Jonathan Doyle (University of Alabama)
2007
1. Ben Croft & Mitch Williams (Colorado State)
2. Chris Crockett & Shane Karmelin (University of Alabama)
3. Harry Fuller & Zach Apperson (Baldwin Wallace)
4. Marco Hidalgo & Evan Ussery (New Mexico State)
2006
1. Ben Croft & Mitch Williams (Colorado State)
2. Augustin Tristan & Shane Karmelin (University of Alabama)
3. Scott Perryman & Jared Torres (Brigham Young)
4. Joe Linnell & Benjamin Toth (Ohio State)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, April 6, 2015
Pan Am Games Team Qualifying
The 2015 Pan American Racquetball Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic wrapped up on Saturday, and the event was the qualifying event for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto this July. Thus, the results determine how many players can participate in Toronto.
The competition is limited to 56 players: 30 men and 26 women or 11 men's teams and 10 women's teams. How a country performed in Santo Domingo determines how many players that country can send to Toronto. The exception is Canada, who as the host nation, are qualified to send up to four players in both men's and women's competitions.
The USA finishing first in the Men's Team event means they can also send four men to Toronto. Similarly, Mexico finishing first in the Women's Team event means they can send four players to Toronto. Every other country qualified to send fewer than four.
On the men's side, Mexico, Bolivia, Costa Rica and Colombia can send three players to Toronto. Ecuador and Argentina can each send three women to Toronto. The other qualifying countries can only send two players to Toronto.
The other qualifying countries in the men's competition are the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Venezuela, Argentina, and Guatemala. In the women's competition, the other qualifying countries are Bolivia, Colombia, USA, Venezuela, Chile and Guatemala.
If a country doesn't use all of the spots that it qualified for, then those spots will be distributed to other qualifying countries.
Women's Qualifying Teams for 2015 Pan American Games, Toronto
(with number of players eligible to compete)
Mexico (4)
Ecuador (3)
Argentina (3)
Colombia (2)
Bolivia (2)
USA (2)
Venezuela (2)
Chile (2)
Canada (4)
Guatemala (2)
Men's Qualifying Teams for 2015 Pan American Games, Toronto
USA (4)
Mexico (3)
Bolivia (3)
Costa Rica (3)
Colombia (3)
Dominican Republic (2)
Ecuador (2)
Venezuela (2)
Argentina (2)
Canada (4)
Guatemala (2)
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Results Summary
Women's Singles
GOLD - Paola Longoria (Mexico)
SILVER - Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador)
BRONZE - María José Vargas (Argentina) and Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
Women's Doubles
GOLD - Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico)
SILVER - Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina)
BRONZE - Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) and Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia)
Men's Singles
GOLD - Jose Diaz (USA)
SILVER - Jake Bredenbeck (USA)
BRONZE - Carlos Keller (Bolivia) and Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia)
Men's Doubles
GOLD - Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico)
SILVER - Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica)
BRONZE - Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.) and Cesar Castro & Cesar Castillo (Venezuela)
Follow the bouncing ball....
The competition is limited to 56 players: 30 men and 26 women or 11 men's teams and 10 women's teams. How a country performed in Santo Domingo determines how many players that country can send to Toronto. The exception is Canada, who as the host nation, are qualified to send up to four players in both men's and women's competitions.
The USA finishing first in the Men's Team event means they can also send four men to Toronto. Similarly, Mexico finishing first in the Women's Team event means they can send four players to Toronto. Every other country qualified to send fewer than four.
On the men's side, Mexico, Bolivia, Costa Rica and Colombia can send three players to Toronto. Ecuador and Argentina can each send three women to Toronto. The other qualifying countries can only send two players to Toronto.
The other qualifying countries in the men's competition are the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Venezuela, Argentina, and Guatemala. In the women's competition, the other qualifying countries are Bolivia, Colombia, USA, Venezuela, Chile and Guatemala.
If a country doesn't use all of the spots that it qualified for, then those spots will be distributed to other qualifying countries.
Women's Qualifying Teams for 2015 Pan American Games, Toronto
(with number of players eligible to compete)
Mexico (4)
Ecuador (3)
Argentina (3)
Colombia (2)
Bolivia (2)
USA (2)
Venezuela (2)
Chile (2)
Canada (4)
Guatemala (2)
Men's Qualifying Teams for 2015 Pan American Games, Toronto
USA (4)
Mexico (3)
Bolivia (3)
Costa Rica (3)
Colombia (3)
Dominican Republic (2)
Ecuador (2)
Venezuela (2)
Argentina (2)
Canada (4)
Guatemala (2)
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Results Summary
Women's Singles
GOLD - Paola Longoria (Mexico)
SILVER - Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador)
BRONZE - María José Vargas (Argentina) and Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
Women's Doubles
GOLD - Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico)
SILVER - Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina)
BRONZE - Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) and Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia)
Men's Singles
GOLD - Jose Diaz (USA)
SILVER - Jake Bredenbeck (USA)
BRONZE - Carlos Keller (Bolivia) and Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia)
Men's Doubles
GOLD - Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico)
SILVER - Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica)
BRONZE - Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.) and Cesar Castro & Cesar Castillo (Venezuela)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Mexico sweeps doubles at 2015 Pan American Championships
Mexico swept the Women's and Men's Doubles finals at the 2015 Pan American Racquetball Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Saturday, which was to be expected, as they were the top seeded country in the competition and brought their best players to the event.
In the Women's Doubles final, Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas defeated Maria Jose Vargas and Véronique Guillemette of Argentina in the final, 15-4, 15-13, while Javier Moreno and Alvaro Beltran beat Costa Ricans Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero, 15-8, 15-5, to win the Men's Doubles title.
In the women's final, Mexico got out to an early 4-0 lead in game one, and weren't troubled after that. The second game began the same way, as Mexico took a 5-0 lead. However, Argentina got the serve back, and they scored their first point.
Everything starts from something small, and Argentina scored the next nine points in a row to lead 10-5. Mexico took their second time out at that point; their first came at 5-5. When play resumed Salas hit a winner to get the serve back.
Then there was some confusion over a call after Vargas hit a ball that looked to have been a winner off the right side wall. But Mexico ended up with a point, as if Mexico had been given an avoidable on the play. Salas did hold up on trying to get the ball, but it virtually cracked out off the right wall, so we're not sure it was even a hinder.
The controversy - Argentina appealed at least one of the calls on the play and seemed to make two appeals - on that play seemed to unsettle the Argentines, as the Mexicans scored the eight straight points to lead 14-10.
Argentina held them at match point, and then scored a couple more of their own. It seemed like they were going to force a tie-breaker, but then Longoria hit a winning serve return to put Mexico back in the service box.
On the next rally, Salas lob served to Guillemette, who was playing the left side (Salas was on the right), for the first time in the match. On the rally Salas hit a side front shot for a winner to give Mexico the title in two straight games.
In the first game, the Argentine had been hitting drive z serves to the Mexicans, and it wasn't effective. But in game two they changed to hit lob serves. Guillemette hit backhand half lobs tight to the left side wall to Longoria and Vargas hit lob z serves to Salas. The change almost got them to a tie-breaker with the reigning World Champions, but they fell a little short.
In the Men's Doubles final, Mexico was in control the entire match. Costa Rica gave it a good effort, but Camacho and Fumero are not in the same class as veterans Beltran and Moreno.
In game one, it was close early, but after Mexico got up 7-2, Costa Rica was never closer than three points. By our unofficial count, Mexico combined for 16 winners to Costa Rica's 5, although the errors (skips) were similar, as Mexico had 11 and Costa Rica 9. Moreno had the best ratio of winners to errors, as he hit 8 winners and had 4 errors. Fumero was the worst, hitting only 1 winner while making 6 errors.
In game two, Mexico went up 5-0, but Costa Rica came back to make it 5-4. But they only managed one point after that, as Mexico cruised on to victory.
Both Beltran and Moreno were great in game two, as each made only a single error while making eight and six winners, respectively, for a total of 14 winners to 2 errors. Costa Rica made approximately the same number of winners as errors at 7 to 6, respectively, with Camacho making five winners and four errors and Fumero making two of each.
Overall, Mexico was the team that came out on top, as they won the Women's Team title and came 2nd in the Men's Team standings. The USA was 2nd overall helped by their 1st place finish in the Men's Team standings.
If you missed the finals, or earlier action, the matches will be archived at the International Racquetball Federation part of the IRT Network.
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Women's Doubles - Final
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina), 15-4, 15-13
Men's Doubles - Final
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) d. 3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-8, 15-5
Women's Team Standings
1. Mexico
2. Ecuador
3. Colombia
4. Argentina
Men's Team Standings
1. USA
2. Mexico
3. Bolivia
4. Costa Rica
Overall Team Standings
1. Mexico
2. USA
3. Bolivia
4. Colombia
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the Women's Doubles final, Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas defeated Maria Jose Vargas and Véronique Guillemette of Argentina in the final, 15-4, 15-13, while Javier Moreno and Alvaro Beltran beat Costa Ricans Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero, 15-8, 15-5, to win the Men's Doubles title.
In the women's final, Mexico got out to an early 4-0 lead in game one, and weren't troubled after that. The second game began the same way, as Mexico took a 5-0 lead. However, Argentina got the serve back, and they scored their first point.
Everything starts from something small, and Argentina scored the next nine points in a row to lead 10-5. Mexico took their second time out at that point; their first came at 5-5. When play resumed Salas hit a winner to get the serve back.
Then there was some confusion over a call after Vargas hit a ball that looked to have been a winner off the right side wall. But Mexico ended up with a point, as if Mexico had been given an avoidable on the play. Salas did hold up on trying to get the ball, but it virtually cracked out off the right wall, so we're not sure it was even a hinder.
The controversy - Argentina appealed at least one of the calls on the play and seemed to make two appeals - on that play seemed to unsettle the Argentines, as the Mexicans scored the eight straight points to lead 14-10.
Argentina held them at match point, and then scored a couple more of their own. It seemed like they were going to force a tie-breaker, but then Longoria hit a winning serve return to put Mexico back in the service box.
On the next rally, Salas lob served to Guillemette, who was playing the left side (Salas was on the right), for the first time in the match. On the rally Salas hit a side front shot for a winner to give Mexico the title in two straight games.
In the first game, the Argentine had been hitting drive z serves to the Mexicans, and it wasn't effective. But in game two they changed to hit lob serves. Guillemette hit backhand half lobs tight to the left side wall to Longoria and Vargas hit lob z serves to Salas. The change almost got them to a tie-breaker with the reigning World Champions, but they fell a little short.
In the Men's Doubles final, Mexico was in control the entire match. Costa Rica gave it a good effort, but Camacho and Fumero are not in the same class as veterans Beltran and Moreno.
In game one, it was close early, but after Mexico got up 7-2, Costa Rica was never closer than three points. By our unofficial count, Mexico combined for 16 winners to Costa Rica's 5, although the errors (skips) were similar, as Mexico had 11 and Costa Rica 9. Moreno had the best ratio of winners to errors, as he hit 8 winners and had 4 errors. Fumero was the worst, hitting only 1 winner while making 6 errors.
In game two, Mexico went up 5-0, but Costa Rica came back to make it 5-4. But they only managed one point after that, as Mexico cruised on to victory.
Both Beltran and Moreno were great in game two, as each made only a single error while making eight and six winners, respectively, for a total of 14 winners to 2 errors. Costa Rica made approximately the same number of winners as errors at 7 to 6, respectively, with Camacho making five winners and four errors and Fumero making two of each.
Overall, Mexico was the team that came out on top, as they won the Women's Team title and came 2nd in the Men's Team standings. The USA was 2nd overall helped by their 1st place finish in the Men's Team standings.
If you missed the finals, or earlier action, the matches will be archived at the International Racquetball Federation part of the IRT Network.
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Women's Doubles - Final
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina), 15-4, 15-13
Men's Doubles - Final
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) d. 3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-8, 15-5
Women's Team Standings
1. Mexico
2. Ecuador
3. Colombia
4. Argentina
Men's Team Standings
1. USA
2. Mexico
3. Bolivia
4. Costa Rica
Overall Team Standings
1. Mexico
2. USA
3. Bolivia
4. Colombia
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria & Diaz win singles at 2015 Pan Am Championships
Paola Longoria of Mexico and Jose Diaz of the USA are the 2015 Pan American Racquetball Champions in Women's Singles and Men's Singles, respectively, winning the title in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Saturday in what were undramatic finals, as both Longoria and Diaz won in two straight games.
Longoria defeated Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador, 15-2, 15-5, in what was a very lopsided match. Sotomayor usually a very accurate player didn't kill a ball until well into the second game. But Longoria killed a lot of balls, as well as serving some aces, including on game point in the first game, when she hit a Z serve to the right side glass wall.
Game two was a little better for Sotomayor, who scored her first point after Longoria had four. Sotomayor didn't score in game one until Longoria had eleven. But 4-1 was as close as Sotomayor got to Longoria.
Curiously, Longoria lob served to end the match, beginning at 13-5. Strange because she'd been drive serving effectively up throughout the match to that point. For her part, Sotomayor tried a variety of serves to get something going, but nothing proved to be very effective.
The Men's Singles final was an All-American battle between Diaz and Jake Bredenbeck. We imagined it would be close, but Diaz had other ideas, and won it comfortably 15-7, 15-5. In fact, they were tied at 6-6 in game one, and then Diaz scored 24 of the next 30 points in what turned into a dominating performance.
Although the scores weren't close, there were some great shots by both players, and none better than the match winner, which came from Diaz diving to the right side glass wall and hitting a pinch kill shot into the right corner. A great way to end it.
Afterwards, Diaz said he "was hoping [Bredenbeck] wouldn't drive serve well," and he got his wish, as we anticipated Bredenbeck didn't drive serve very much, given the one serve rule in effect. But after losing the first game during which he only drove serve once, Bredenbeck drove serve on his first three serve opportunities in game two, and faulted on all three.
For his part, Diaz didn't drive serve at all, and when asked why he explained that "it's a long tournament," and drive serving can take its toll. Also, Diaz said "I'm fast, so I can get to ball, so if I get in a rally, I feel I can dominate in the rally."
Diaz said it was "bitter sweet" to be playing a team-mate in the the final, but better in the final than earlier in the draw. But once they get on court "it's just another guy."
"It feels good," to win the tournament, Diaz said, as the hard training he's done for the last month - playing a lot, getting stronger, upping his conditioning - paid off in his first international win in Men's Singles. Perhaps ironically, Diaz's first international win overall came last year in Men's Doubles with Bredenbeck as his partner at the Pan American Sports Organization festival in Guadalajara, Mexico.
If you missed the finals, you can see them the archive via the International Racquetball Federation website.
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Women's Singles - Final
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador), 15-2, 15-5
Men's Singles - Final
7) Jose Diaz (USA) d. 5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA), 15-7, 15-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria defeated Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador, 15-2, 15-5, in what was a very lopsided match. Sotomayor usually a very accurate player didn't kill a ball until well into the second game. But Longoria killed a lot of balls, as well as serving some aces, including on game point in the first game, when she hit a Z serve to the right side glass wall.
Game two was a little better for Sotomayor, who scored her first point after Longoria had four. Sotomayor didn't score in game one until Longoria had eleven. But 4-1 was as close as Sotomayor got to Longoria.
Curiously, Longoria lob served to end the match, beginning at 13-5. Strange because she'd been drive serving effectively up throughout the match to that point. For her part, Sotomayor tried a variety of serves to get something going, but nothing proved to be very effective.
The Men's Singles final was an All-American battle between Diaz and Jake Bredenbeck. We imagined it would be close, but Diaz had other ideas, and won it comfortably 15-7, 15-5. In fact, they were tied at 6-6 in game one, and then Diaz scored 24 of the next 30 points in what turned into a dominating performance.
Although the scores weren't close, there were some great shots by both players, and none better than the match winner, which came from Diaz diving to the right side glass wall and hitting a pinch kill shot into the right corner. A great way to end it.
Afterwards, Diaz said he "was hoping [Bredenbeck] wouldn't drive serve well," and he got his wish, as we anticipated Bredenbeck didn't drive serve very much, given the one serve rule in effect. But after losing the first game during which he only drove serve once, Bredenbeck drove serve on his first three serve opportunities in game two, and faulted on all three.
For his part, Diaz didn't drive serve at all, and when asked why he explained that "it's a long tournament," and drive serving can take its toll. Also, Diaz said "I'm fast, so I can get to ball, so if I get in a rally, I feel I can dominate in the rally."
Diaz said it was "bitter sweet" to be playing a team-mate in the the final, but better in the final than earlier in the draw. But once they get on court "it's just another guy."
"It feels good," to win the tournament, Diaz said, as the hard training he's done for the last month - playing a lot, getting stronger, upping his conditioning - paid off in his first international win in Men's Singles. Perhaps ironically, Diaz's first international win overall came last year in Men's Doubles with Bredenbeck as his partner at the Pan American Sports Organization festival in Guadalajara, Mexico.
If you missed the finals, you can see them the archive via the International Racquetball Federation website.
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Women's Singles - Final
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador), 15-2, 15-5
Men's Singles - Final
7) Jose Diaz (USA) d. 5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA), 15-7, 15-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, April 3, 2015
Semi-final madness at 2015 Pan American Championships
More tie-breakers were needed Friday at the XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in the semi-finals of the Men's and Women's Singles and Doubles events. Mexico is in three of the four finals, and the other is an all-American affair.
In Men's Singles, Americans Jake Bredenbeck and Jose Diaz will battle it out in the final, as they beat their Bolivian opponents in the semi-finals. Bredenbeck defeated Carlos Keller in two close games, 15-13, 15-13, and Diaz beat Conrado Moscoso in a tie-breaker, 10-15, 15-13, 11-6.
Bredenbeck led the whole way in a close first game. He did have a 13-7 advantage in the middle of the game, but Keller closed it to a single point at 13-12 and 14-13, before Bredenbeck finished it off.
In game two, they were again close throughout with Bredenbeck holding a slight advantage, although they were tied at 7-7 and 10-10. Keller went ahead 13-12, and looked like he might force a tie-breaker. however, Bredenbeck held firm, and won it on his first match point opportunity with a forehand pinch winner to the front right corner. Keller appealed the shot, but one line-judge agreed with the referee that it was a good shot, so the call stood.
In the other semi, Moscoso won the first game relatively comfortably, as the 15-10 score flattered Diaz who scored most of his point late in the game. However, Diaz took the early advantage in game two going out to a 8-2 lead. Moscoso dug in and came back to tie it 10-10.
He then eked ahead to lead 13-11, but lost the serve on a called skip that he appealed and again one line-judge agreed with the referee that it skipped so the call stood. Diaz won out the game from there scoring four straight points to win it 15-13.
In game three, Diaz again went out to the early lead, going up 5-0, although it took fourteen rallies to get there with several sideouts and a couple of hinders along the way. Moscoso closed the gap to one point with three winners and a service return skip by Diaz, making it 5-4.
Diaz took a timeout, then hit a backhand pinch when play resumed to regain serve, and extended his lead to 7-4. A fault serve by Diaz, who was hitting backhand half lob serves to the left side - Moscoso's backhand, but this time hit one short, gave Moscoso back the serve, and he again cut Diaz's lead to one point at 7-6.
However, Diaz hit a winner to get the serve back, and then scored four straight points to finish the game and match. The last came when Moscoso skipped a service return.
The Women's Singles semis were not as dramatic, as both were straight game wins for Paola Longoria of Mexico and Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador, although Sotomayor did need to come back in her second game with Cristina Amaya of Colombia to win it.
Longoria defeated María José Vargas of Argentina, 15-3, 15-8, while Sotomayor beat Amaya, 15-9, 15-14. Amaya was up 9-5 in game two versus Sotomayor, although Sotomayor came back and led 13-11. Yet it was Amaya who got to 14 first, leading 14-13.
However, Sotomayor got the serve back, and on her first match point opportunity, she drove the ball to the right side. Amaya hit a forehand cross court and Sotomayor finished the rally with a backhand pinch to the left corner.
In the doubles semi-finals, Longoria and partner Samantha Salas also won in two straight games, as they defeated Amaya and Carolina Gomez (Colombia), 15-6, 15-3. They will face Argentina in the final, as Vargas and Véronique Guillemette defeated Bolivians Carola Loma and Adriana Riveros, 15-11, 10-15, 11-6, in the other semi.
Argentina and Bolivia were close in game one, as they tied at 11-11. But Bolivia couldn't score another point, as Argentina got four unanswered to win the game, although they needed five tries to get the winning point.
Bolivia led throughout game two, although Argentina did tie the score at 9-9. But Bolivia was still able to win the game and force a tie-breaker.
In the breaker, Argentina led almost all the way. Bolivia made it close when Argentina led 4-3 and 6-4 but after that the gap was never less than three points. Guillemette hit the winning shot in three of the match's last four rallies, including a backhand that won it.
The Men's Doubles semi-finals were both dramatic, as both required tie-breakers to determine the winners. Mexico with Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno came out on top of the Dominican Republic's Luis Perez and Ramon De Leon, 14-15, 15-7, 11-6, and Costa Ricans Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero beat Venezuelans Cesar Castro and Cesar Castillo, 15-5, 13-15, 11-8, to put Costa Rica in the final for the first time ever.
Game one between Mexico and the Dominican Republic was close all the way. Mexico got to 14 first, and had two chance to win game one, but failed to convert them. When the Dominican regained the serve, De Leon, who was playing on the right side with Beltran hit two drive Z serves to Beltran, who skipped the returns. Previously, all the serves had gone to Moreno.
Then at 14-14, De Leon hit a jam serve to Moreno, and on the ensuing rally Beltran again skipped a shot.
In game two, Mexico took an early lead at 7-1, and never let the Dominicans get closer than four points, as they won comfortably.
The teams were close in the tie-breaker with the Dominicans holding a slim lead at 6-5. Then Beltran hit a forehand volley that seemed like a low percentage shot, but it rolled out, putting Mexico back in the service box.
Mexico then hit four winners two by Moreno and two by Beltran, which put them on match point at 10-6. The Dominicans had called a timeout at 8-6, but to no avail. On the first match point, Moreno held up for a shot, and the referee called a hinder. Mexico appealed that the call should have been an avoidable, and the line-judges agreed, bringing a great match to an anti-climatic end.
The Costa Rica-Venezuela match was messier and more controversial, as the players were more argumentative, especially the Costa Ricans.
After winning the first game, Costa Rica was up 7-1 in game two, only to see Venezuela come back to tie it at 7-7. Costa Rica again went ahead, and got to 12-9, although their twelfth point was earned after an appeal that they somehow won, and that was not a popular decision with the crowd watching.
Despite that deficit and strange calls, Venezuela came back to win six of the next seven points and take game two, 15-13.
The strangeness continued early in game three, as two calls were overturned, one that we thought the referee got right, yet was reversed by the line-judges, and one we thought should have been overturned.
They were close the whole game with no more than a two point difference between them until 8-8. Then Castillo skipped a shot to give Costa Rica back the serve. They called timeout, and when play resumed Camacho hit a winning backhand pinch and Castillo skipped another ball to give Costa Rica its first match point.
On that rally, Castro had a set up and looked to be going for a pinch shot, but the ball broke. Castillo hit a winner on the next rally to put Costa Rica half down, then on match point number three, Fumero hit a winner down the line on the right side to put Costa Rica into their first ever men's final at the Pan Am Championships.
Predictions
We think the Men's Singles final is a toss up. Bredenbeck is a power player, but with the one serve rule in effect in Santo Domingo, he hardly drove serve at all in the semis, so that weapon's diminished. Diaz is great at keeping the ball in play; in one rally today he was on the floor four times, so we don't think he'll be overpowered by Bredenbeck. It will definitely be an interesting final.
In the Men's Doubles final, Mexico has to be favoured again. In fact, we think they had a tougher test against the Dominican Republic today in the semis than they will face from Costa Rica in the final. Although Costa Rica has surprised us in beating Canada and Venezuela to get to the final, so maybe they can do it again.
Longoria has to be favoured in the Women's Singles final, as she's the two time World Champion, and #1 professional women's player. But she's also a drive server, so she might not be as effective serving against Sotomayor, who is more of a control player.
The Women's Doubles final should also favour Mexico, as the three time World Champions Longoria and Salas are a tough team to beat. Vargas and Guillemette are a good team, and Guillemette has played well. She's playing the left side, and how she fares against Longoria's serve could be the key to the match.
You can see if we're right on our predictions live on Saturday by watching the streaming of the finals via the International Racquetball Federation website.
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Women's Singles - Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 4) María José Vargas (Argentina), 15-3, 15-8
7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia), 15-9, 15-14
Women's Singles - Final
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) - 11 AM EDT
Men's Singles - Semi-finals
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. 8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia), 15-13, 15-13
7) Jose Diaz (USA) d. 6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia), 15-10, 13-15, 11-6
Men's Singles - Final
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) v. 7) Jose Diaz (USA) - Noon EDT
Women's Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia), 15-6, 15-
6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina) d. 2) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia), 15-11, 10-15, 11-6
Women's Doubles - Final
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina) - 2 PM EDT
Men's Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) d. 5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.), 14-15, 15-7, 11-6
3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) d. 2) Cesar Castro & Cesar Castillo (Venezuela), 15-5, 13-15, 11-8
Men's Doubles - Final
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) - 3 PM EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
In Men's Singles, Americans Jake Bredenbeck and Jose Diaz will battle it out in the final, as they beat their Bolivian opponents in the semi-finals. Bredenbeck defeated Carlos Keller in two close games, 15-13, 15-13, and Diaz beat Conrado Moscoso in a tie-breaker, 10-15, 15-13, 11-6.
Bredenbeck led the whole way in a close first game. He did have a 13-7 advantage in the middle of the game, but Keller closed it to a single point at 13-12 and 14-13, before Bredenbeck finished it off.
In game two, they were again close throughout with Bredenbeck holding a slight advantage, although they were tied at 7-7 and 10-10. Keller went ahead 13-12, and looked like he might force a tie-breaker. however, Bredenbeck held firm, and won it on his first match point opportunity with a forehand pinch winner to the front right corner. Keller appealed the shot, but one line-judge agreed with the referee that it was a good shot, so the call stood.
In the other semi, Moscoso won the first game relatively comfortably, as the 15-10 score flattered Diaz who scored most of his point late in the game. However, Diaz took the early advantage in game two going out to a 8-2 lead. Moscoso dug in and came back to tie it 10-10.
He then eked ahead to lead 13-11, but lost the serve on a called skip that he appealed and again one line-judge agreed with the referee that it skipped so the call stood. Diaz won out the game from there scoring four straight points to win it 15-13.
In game three, Diaz again went out to the early lead, going up 5-0, although it took fourteen rallies to get there with several sideouts and a couple of hinders along the way. Moscoso closed the gap to one point with three winners and a service return skip by Diaz, making it 5-4.
Diaz took a timeout, then hit a backhand pinch when play resumed to regain serve, and extended his lead to 7-4. A fault serve by Diaz, who was hitting backhand half lob serves to the left side - Moscoso's backhand, but this time hit one short, gave Moscoso back the serve, and he again cut Diaz's lead to one point at 7-6.
However, Diaz hit a winner to get the serve back, and then scored four straight points to finish the game and match. The last came when Moscoso skipped a service return.
The Women's Singles semis were not as dramatic, as both were straight game wins for Paola Longoria of Mexico and Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador, although Sotomayor did need to come back in her second game with Cristina Amaya of Colombia to win it.
Longoria defeated María José Vargas of Argentina, 15-3, 15-8, while Sotomayor beat Amaya, 15-9, 15-14. Amaya was up 9-5 in game two versus Sotomayor, although Sotomayor came back and led 13-11. Yet it was Amaya who got to 14 first, leading 14-13.
However, Sotomayor got the serve back, and on her first match point opportunity, she drove the ball to the right side. Amaya hit a forehand cross court and Sotomayor finished the rally with a backhand pinch to the left corner.
In the doubles semi-finals, Longoria and partner Samantha Salas also won in two straight games, as they defeated Amaya and Carolina Gomez (Colombia), 15-6, 15-3. They will face Argentina in the final, as Vargas and Véronique Guillemette defeated Bolivians Carola Loma and Adriana Riveros, 15-11, 10-15, 11-6, in the other semi.
Argentina and Bolivia were close in game one, as they tied at 11-11. But Bolivia couldn't score another point, as Argentina got four unanswered to win the game, although they needed five tries to get the winning point.
Bolivia led throughout game two, although Argentina did tie the score at 9-9. But Bolivia was still able to win the game and force a tie-breaker.
In the breaker, Argentina led almost all the way. Bolivia made it close when Argentina led 4-3 and 6-4 but after that the gap was never less than three points. Guillemette hit the winning shot in three of the match's last four rallies, including a backhand that won it.
The Men's Doubles semi-finals were both dramatic, as both required tie-breakers to determine the winners. Mexico with Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno came out on top of the Dominican Republic's Luis Perez and Ramon De Leon, 14-15, 15-7, 11-6, and Costa Ricans Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero beat Venezuelans Cesar Castro and Cesar Castillo, 15-5, 13-15, 11-8, to put Costa Rica in the final for the first time ever.
Game one between Mexico and the Dominican Republic was close all the way. Mexico got to 14 first, and had two chance to win game one, but failed to convert them. When the Dominican regained the serve, De Leon, who was playing on the right side with Beltran hit two drive Z serves to Beltran, who skipped the returns. Previously, all the serves had gone to Moreno.
Then at 14-14, De Leon hit a jam serve to Moreno, and on the ensuing rally Beltran again skipped a shot.
In game two, Mexico took an early lead at 7-1, and never let the Dominicans get closer than four points, as they won comfortably.
The teams were close in the tie-breaker with the Dominicans holding a slim lead at 6-5. Then Beltran hit a forehand volley that seemed like a low percentage shot, but it rolled out, putting Mexico back in the service box.
Mexico then hit four winners two by Moreno and two by Beltran, which put them on match point at 10-6. The Dominicans had called a timeout at 8-6, but to no avail. On the first match point, Moreno held up for a shot, and the referee called a hinder. Mexico appealed that the call should have been an avoidable, and the line-judges agreed, bringing a great match to an anti-climatic end.
The Costa Rica-Venezuela match was messier and more controversial, as the players were more argumentative, especially the Costa Ricans.
After winning the first game, Costa Rica was up 7-1 in game two, only to see Venezuela come back to tie it at 7-7. Costa Rica again went ahead, and got to 12-9, although their twelfth point was earned after an appeal that they somehow won, and that was not a popular decision with the crowd watching.
Despite that deficit and strange calls, Venezuela came back to win six of the next seven points and take game two, 15-13.
The strangeness continued early in game three, as two calls were overturned, one that we thought the referee got right, yet was reversed by the line-judges, and one we thought should have been overturned.
They were close the whole game with no more than a two point difference between them until 8-8. Then Castillo skipped a shot to give Costa Rica back the serve. They called timeout, and when play resumed Camacho hit a winning backhand pinch and Castillo skipped another ball to give Costa Rica its first match point.
On that rally, Castro had a set up and looked to be going for a pinch shot, but the ball broke. Castillo hit a winner on the next rally to put Costa Rica half down, then on match point number three, Fumero hit a winner down the line on the right side to put Costa Rica into their first ever men's final at the Pan Am Championships.
Predictions
We think the Men's Singles final is a toss up. Bredenbeck is a power player, but with the one serve rule in effect in Santo Domingo, he hardly drove serve at all in the semis, so that weapon's diminished. Diaz is great at keeping the ball in play; in one rally today he was on the floor four times, so we don't think he'll be overpowered by Bredenbeck. It will definitely be an interesting final.
In the Men's Doubles final, Mexico has to be favoured again. In fact, we think they had a tougher test against the Dominican Republic today in the semis than they will face from Costa Rica in the final. Although Costa Rica has surprised us in beating Canada and Venezuela to get to the final, so maybe they can do it again.
Longoria has to be favoured in the Women's Singles final, as she's the two time World Champion, and #1 professional women's player. But she's also a drive server, so she might not be as effective serving against Sotomayor, who is more of a control player.
The Women's Doubles final should also favour Mexico, as the three time World Champions Longoria and Salas are a tough team to beat. Vargas and Guillemette are a good team, and Guillemette has played well. She's playing the left side, and how she fares against Longoria's serve could be the key to the match.
You can see if we're right on our predictions live on Saturday by watching the streaming of the finals via the International Racquetball Federation website.
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Women's Singles - Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 4) María José Vargas (Argentina), 15-3, 15-8
7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia), 15-9, 15-14
Women's Singles - Final
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) - 11 AM EDT
Men's Singles - Semi-finals
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. 8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia), 15-13, 15-13
7) Jose Diaz (USA) d. 6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia), 15-10, 13-15, 11-6
Men's Singles - Final
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) v. 7) Jose Diaz (USA) - Noon EDT
Women's Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia), 15-6, 15-
6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina) d. 2) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia), 15-11, 10-15, 11-6
Women's Doubles - Final
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina) - 2 PM EDT
Men's Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) d. 5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.), 14-15, 15-7, 11-6
3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) d. 2) Cesar Castro & Cesar Castillo (Venezuela), 15-5, 13-15, 11-8
Men's Doubles - Final
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) - 3 PM EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Surprises on 2nd Elimination Day at 2015 Pan Am Championships
A wild day of racquetball at the XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic has seen both the Mexican Men's Singles players - Alvaro Beltran and Daniel De La Rosa - bow out of the tournament in the quarterfinals, so Mexico will not medal in Men's Singles, when many would have thought they'd take gold and silver.
Both Beltran and De La Rosa lost in straight games. Beltran was defeated by Bolivian Carlos Keller, 15-12, 15-11, and Conrado Moscoso - silver medalist at last year's World Championships - beat De La Rosa, 15-14, 15-11.
The Bolivians will face the Americans in the semi-finals, as Jose Diaz defeated Noslen Jimenez of Cuba, 15-12, 15-6, and Jake Bredenbeck pulled out a dramatic tie-breaker against Colombian Sebastian Franco, 13-15, 15-7, 11-10. Thus, Bolivia and the USA will split the medals in Men's Singles.
Mexico has not been shut out of the Pan Am Championships medals in Men's Singles since at least 2006.
However, there won't be a medal for either of them in Women's Singles. Mexican Paola Longoria ousted the last Bolivian women in the draw, Carola Loma, 15-3, 15-4, and Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador defeated the sole remaining American Rhonda Rajsich, 15-2, 11-15, 11-2, although Rajsich put up quite the battle, as she was down 11-3 in game two after losing the first. Then Rajsich scored 12 unanswered points to force a tie-breaker.
But in the breaker it was all Sotomayor, as she won it by a comfortable margin.
In the other Women's Singles quarterfinals, María José Vargas of Argentina defeated Maria Paz Muñoz of Ecuador, 15-3, 15-2, and Cristina Amaya of Colombia beat Samantha Salas of Mexico, 15-5, 6-15, 11-5. Thus, the medals in Women's Singles will be split between four countries.
Tie-breakers were the order of the day in doubles as of the eight quarterfinal matches in Men's and Women's Doubles six of them went tie-breaker.
On women's side, World Champions Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas of Mexico did not need a breaker, as they defeated Veronica Sotomayor and Maria Paz Muñoz of Ecuador, 15-9, 15-10. Mexico will play Colombia in the semi-finals, as Cristina Amaya and Carolina Gomez came back to beat Angela Grisar and Carla Muñoz of Chile, 9-15, 15-12, 11-7.
On the other side of the draw, Carola Loma and Adriana Riveros of Bolivia also came back to defeat Maria Renee Rodriguez and Ana Gabriela Martinez of Guatemala, 6-15, 15-7, 11-7. Bolivia will face Argentina in the semis, as Maria Jose Vargas and Véronique Guillemette overcame Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Sheryl Lotts, 15-7 9-15, 11-5.
Argentina was in control throughout game one against the USA, and they were ahead 5-0 early in game two. But both Americans were serving to Guillemette in game two, and they came back to tie it up at 5-5. They remained close until 9-9.
The Americans then edged ahead to make it 11-9. The Argentines got the serve back, but were unable to score, as Rajsich sided them out with a behind the back shot for a winner. Lotts then served four lobs to Guillemette, who was playing the left side with Vargas on the right, and they were going tie-breaker.
But in the breaker, Argentina led all the way. First at 2-0, then 5-3 and 6-4. The USA got within one at 6-5, but that was as close as they got, as Argentina won it 11-5.
The loss coupled with Rajsich's loss earlier in the day means the USA is shut out of medals in women's competition for the second consecutive Pan Am Championships. The USA won Women's Singles every year from 1988 to 2003, 14 in a row. In the 12 years since they've won only 4 times.
The story in Women's Doubles is similar. The USA won 11 straight from 1989 to 2001. Since then they've won 6 times in 14 years.
In Men's Doubles, top seeds Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno of Mexico dropped the first game of their quarter versus Americans Anthony Herrera and David Horn, but then recovered to win in three games, 7-15, 15-6, 11-6. The USA led initially in the breaker at 4-2. Then Mexico went ahead 6-4. The Americans tied it at 6-6, but couldn't get any more points despite regaining serve twice more.
Mexico will play the host nation in the semi-finals, as Dominicans Luis Perez and Ramon De Leon beat Colombians Sebastian Franco and Juan Carlos Torres, 15-11, 14-15, 11-8. The match ended when the Dominicans appealed a Torres serve return that the referee called good. The line-judges disagreed with the call, seeing the return as a skip.
Venezuelans Cesar Castro and Cesar Castillo defeated Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri of Argentina), 15-7, 15-9 (correction from earlier: Jorge Hirsekorn was in the group stage matches for Venezuela, but was injured and Venezuela was allowed to substitute in Castillo to replace him).
Venezuela will play a relatively young team in the semi-finals, as Costa Ricans Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero came back to beat Canadians Vincent Gagnon and Mike Green in three games, 2-15, 15-11, 11-8. After getting blown out in game one, Costa Rica took an early lead in game two at 6-2 and built it up to 13-4 and then 14-5.
The Canadians didn't quit, and looked like they might come all the way back with some great serving from Green. But they fell short, and a third game was needed.
In game three, Costa Rica again went up early at 3-0, and 6-2. They got to match point at 10-2. Then Canada scored four points to make it 10-6. Costa Rica called a timeout, but Canada scored two more points for 10-8.
Then Costa Rica got the serve back, and after going half down, Camacho was able to hit the winning shot: a forehand pinch into the front right corner to send them to the semis against Venezuala.
There is live streaming of matches Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Look for the link on the International Racquetball Federation website.
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Women's Singles - Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 8) Carola Loma (Bolivia), 15-3, 15-4
4) María José Vargas (Argentina) v. 5) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador), 15-3, 15-2
11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia) d. 3) Samantha Salas (Mexico), 15-5, 6-15, 11-5
7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 2) Rhonda Rajsich (USA), 15-2, 11-15, 11-2
Women's Singles - Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 4) María José Vargas (Argentina)
7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) v. 11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
Men's Singles - Quarterfinals
8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) d. 1) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico), 15-12, 15-11
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. 4) Sebastian Franco (Colombia), 13-15, 15-7, 11-10
6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 3) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico), 15-14, 15-11
7) Jose Diaz (USA) d. 18) Noslen Jimenez (Cuba), 15-12, 15-6
Men's Singles - Semi-finals
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) v. 8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia)
6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) v. 7) Jose Diaz (USA)
Women's Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 8) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador), 15-9, 15-10
4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) d. 5) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile), 9-15, 15-12, 11-7
6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina) d. 3) Rhonda Rajsich & Sheryl Lotts (USA), 15-7 9-15, 11-5
2) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) d. 7) Maria Renee Rodriguez & Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala), 6-15, 15-7, 11-7
Women's Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia)
2) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina)
Men's Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) d. 8) Anthony Herrera & David Horn (USA), 7-15, 15-6, 11-6
5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.) d. 4) Sebastian Franco & Juan Carlos Torres (Colombia), 15-11, 14-15, 11-8
3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) d. 6) Vincent Gagnon & Mike Green (Canada), 2-15, 15-11, 11-8
2) Cesar Castro & Cesar Castillo (Venezuela) d. 7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina), 15-7, 15-9
Men's Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.)
2) Cesar Castro & Cesar Castillo (Venezuela) d. 3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Both Beltran and De La Rosa lost in straight games. Beltran was defeated by Bolivian Carlos Keller, 15-12, 15-11, and Conrado Moscoso - silver medalist at last year's World Championships - beat De La Rosa, 15-14, 15-11.
The Bolivians will face the Americans in the semi-finals, as Jose Diaz defeated Noslen Jimenez of Cuba, 15-12, 15-6, and Jake Bredenbeck pulled out a dramatic tie-breaker against Colombian Sebastian Franco, 13-15, 15-7, 11-10. Thus, Bolivia and the USA will split the medals in Men's Singles.
Mexico has not been shut out of the Pan Am Championships medals in Men's Singles since at least 2006.
However, there won't be a medal for either of them in Women's Singles. Mexican Paola Longoria ousted the last Bolivian women in the draw, Carola Loma, 15-3, 15-4, and Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador defeated the sole remaining American Rhonda Rajsich, 15-2, 11-15, 11-2, although Rajsich put up quite the battle, as she was down 11-3 in game two after losing the first. Then Rajsich scored 12 unanswered points to force a tie-breaker.
But in the breaker it was all Sotomayor, as she won it by a comfortable margin.
In the other Women's Singles quarterfinals, María José Vargas of Argentina defeated Maria Paz Muñoz of Ecuador, 15-3, 15-2, and Cristina Amaya of Colombia beat Samantha Salas of Mexico, 15-5, 6-15, 11-5. Thus, the medals in Women's Singles will be split between four countries.
Tie-breakers were the order of the day in doubles as of the eight quarterfinal matches in Men's and Women's Doubles six of them went tie-breaker.
On women's side, World Champions Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas of Mexico did not need a breaker, as they defeated Veronica Sotomayor and Maria Paz Muñoz of Ecuador, 15-9, 15-10. Mexico will play Colombia in the semi-finals, as Cristina Amaya and Carolina Gomez came back to beat Angela Grisar and Carla Muñoz of Chile, 9-15, 15-12, 11-7.
On the other side of the draw, Carola Loma and Adriana Riveros of Bolivia also came back to defeat Maria Renee Rodriguez and Ana Gabriela Martinez of Guatemala, 6-15, 15-7, 11-7. Bolivia will face Argentina in the semis, as Maria Jose Vargas and Véronique Guillemette overcame Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Sheryl Lotts, 15-7 9-15, 11-5.
Argentina was in control throughout game one against the USA, and they were ahead 5-0 early in game two. But both Americans were serving to Guillemette in game two, and they came back to tie it up at 5-5. They remained close until 9-9.
The Americans then edged ahead to make it 11-9. The Argentines got the serve back, but were unable to score, as Rajsich sided them out with a behind the back shot for a winner. Lotts then served four lobs to Guillemette, who was playing the left side with Vargas on the right, and they were going tie-breaker.
But in the breaker, Argentina led all the way. First at 2-0, then 5-3 and 6-4. The USA got within one at 6-5, but that was as close as they got, as Argentina won it 11-5.
The loss coupled with Rajsich's loss earlier in the day means the USA is shut out of medals in women's competition for the second consecutive Pan Am Championships. The USA won Women's Singles every year from 1988 to 2003, 14 in a row. In the 12 years since they've won only 4 times.
The story in Women's Doubles is similar. The USA won 11 straight from 1989 to 2001. Since then they've won 6 times in 14 years.
In Men's Doubles, top seeds Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno of Mexico dropped the first game of their quarter versus Americans Anthony Herrera and David Horn, but then recovered to win in three games, 7-15, 15-6, 11-6. The USA led initially in the breaker at 4-2. Then Mexico went ahead 6-4. The Americans tied it at 6-6, but couldn't get any more points despite regaining serve twice more.
Mexico will play the host nation in the semi-finals, as Dominicans Luis Perez and Ramon De Leon beat Colombians Sebastian Franco and Juan Carlos Torres, 15-11, 14-15, 11-8. The match ended when the Dominicans appealed a Torres serve return that the referee called good. The line-judges disagreed with the call, seeing the return as a skip.
Venezuelans Cesar Castro and Cesar Castillo defeated Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri of Argentina), 15-7, 15-9 (correction from earlier: Jorge Hirsekorn was in the group stage matches for Venezuela, but was injured and Venezuela was allowed to substitute in Castillo to replace him).
Venezuela will play a relatively young team in the semi-finals, as Costa Ricans Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero came back to beat Canadians Vincent Gagnon and Mike Green in three games, 2-15, 15-11, 11-8. After getting blown out in game one, Costa Rica took an early lead in game two at 6-2 and built it up to 13-4 and then 14-5.
The Canadians didn't quit, and looked like they might come all the way back with some great serving from Green. But they fell short, and a third game was needed.
In game three, Costa Rica again went up early at 3-0, and 6-2. They got to match point at 10-2. Then Canada scored four points to make it 10-6. Costa Rica called a timeout, but Canada scored two more points for 10-8.
Then Costa Rica got the serve back, and after going half down, Camacho was able to hit the winning shot: a forehand pinch into the front right corner to send them to the semis against Venezuala.
There is live streaming of matches Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Look for the link on the International Racquetball Federation website.
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Women's Singles - Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 8) Carola Loma (Bolivia), 15-3, 15-4
4) María José Vargas (Argentina) v. 5) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador), 15-3, 15-2
11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia) d. 3) Samantha Salas (Mexico), 15-5, 6-15, 11-5
7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 2) Rhonda Rajsich (USA), 15-2, 11-15, 11-2
Women's Singles - Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 4) María José Vargas (Argentina)
7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) v. 11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
Men's Singles - Quarterfinals
8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) d. 1) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico), 15-12, 15-11
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. 4) Sebastian Franco (Colombia), 13-15, 15-7, 11-10
6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 3) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico), 15-14, 15-11
7) Jose Diaz (USA) d. 18) Noslen Jimenez (Cuba), 15-12, 15-6
Men's Singles - Semi-finals
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) v. 8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia)
6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) v. 7) Jose Diaz (USA)
Women's Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 8) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador), 15-9, 15-10
4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) d. 5) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile), 9-15, 15-12, 11-7
6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina) d. 3) Rhonda Rajsich & Sheryl Lotts (USA), 15-7 9-15, 11-5
2) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) d. 7) Maria Renee Rodriguez & Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala), 6-15, 15-7, 11-7
Women's Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia)
2) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina)
Men's Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) d. 8) Anthony Herrera & David Horn (USA), 7-15, 15-6, 11-6
5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.) d. 4) Sebastian Franco & Juan Carlos Torres (Colombia), 15-11, 14-15, 11-8
3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) d. 6) Vincent Gagnon & Mike Green (Canada), 2-15, 15-11, 11-8
2) Cesar Castro & Cesar Castillo (Venezuela) d. 7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina), 15-7, 15-9
Men's Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.)
2) Cesar Castro & Cesar Castillo (Venezuela) d. 3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica)
Follow the bouncing ball....
2015 Pan American Championships - Elimination Round Day 1
The first elimination round day is over at the XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Cuba's Noslen Jimenez may be the biggest surprise, as he's through to the quarterfinals with two wins on Wednesday.
Jimenez first defeated Ramon De Leon of the Dominican Republic, 15-10, 15-5 , and then knocked off 2nd seed Andres Ramirez of Colombia, 15-9, 8-15, 11-7. In the quarters, Jimenez will face American Jose Diaz, who squeaked by Ecuador's Fernando Rios, 9-15, 15-5, 11-8.
The top eight seeds are through to the quarters on the women's side except for the 6th seed Adriana Riveros of Bolivia, who was beaten by 11th seed Cristina Amaya of Colombia, 15-7, 12-15, 11-1, but given Amaya is one of the top players on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT), this isn't really an upset.
Moving on but only after a tight match was 3rd seed Daniel De La Rosa of Mexico, who had a battle with Canadian Samuel Murray. Murray got to 14 first in game one, when he led 14-12. Murray had four game points, but couldn't finish the job as De La Rosa came back and won 15-14. The second game was also close, but De La Rosa won it with the final scoreline 15-14, 15-9.
De La Rosa next plays Conrado Moscoso of Bolivia, who was the silver medalist at last year's World Championships.
Moscoso and teammate Carlos Keller both had tight matches Saturday against the Costa Rican players. Moscoso defeated Andres Acuña, 5-15, 15-13, 11-5, while Keller took out Felipe Camacho, 15-10, 14-15, 11-7.
The Men's and Women's Doubles ran true to form in their first playoff round, as the higher seeded teams won all their matches.
There will be live streaming of matches Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Look for the link on the International Racquetball Federation website.
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Women's Singles - Round of 32
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) - BYE
16) Angela Grisar (Chile) d. 17) Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala), 15-8, 7-15, 11-4
24) Jennifer Saunders (Canada) d. 9) Carolina Gomez (Colombia), 15-5, 10-15, 11-8
8) Carola Loma (Bolivia) d. 25) Adriana Ramierez (Puerto Rico), 15-0, 15-0
5) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) d. 28) Pamela Sierra (Honduras), 15-4, 15-3
12) Mariana Paredes (Venezuela) d. 21) Maria Regia Viera Gonzales (Cuba), 9-15, 15-8, 11-9
20) Maria Cespedes (Dominican Rep.) d. 13) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala), 7-15, 15-12, 11-9
4) María José Vargas (Argentina) d. 29) Paula Padilla (Honduras), 15-1, 15-4
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
14) Carla Muñoz (Chile) d. 19) Cecilia Cerquetti (Argentina), 15-6, 15-9
11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia) d. 22) Michèle Morissette (Canada), 15-8, 15-7
6) Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) d. 27) Frances Vasquez (Puerto Rico), 15-1, 15-2
7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 26) Naomi Sasso (Costa Rica), 15-3, 15-1
10) Mariana Tobon (Venezuela) d. 23) Melania Sauma (Costa Rica), 15-12, 15-9
15) Da'monique Davis (USA) d. 18) Merynanyelly Delgado Araujo (Dominican Rep.), 15-10, 15-4
2) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) - BYE
Women's Singles - Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 16) Angela Grisar (Chile), 15-2, 15-4
8) Carola Loma (Bolivia) d. 24) Jennifer Saunders (Canada), 15-9, 15-14
5) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) d. 12) Mariana Paredes (Venezuela), 15-1, 15-2
4) María José Vargas (Argentina) d. 20) Maria Cespedes (Dominican Rep.), 15-4, 15-7
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 14) Carla Muñoz (Chile), 15-1, 15-2
11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia) d. 6) Adriana Riveros (Bolivia), 15-7, 12-15, 11-1
7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 10) Mariana Tobon (Venezuela), 15-8, 15-6
2) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. 15) Da'monique Davis (USA), 15-14, 13-15, 11-1
Women's Singles - Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 8) Carola Loma (Bolivia)
4) María José Vargas (Argentina) v. 5) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador)
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
2) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) v. 7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador)
Men's Singles - Round of 32
1) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) - BYE
16) Pedro Castro (Canada) d. 17) Pablo Kurzbard (Argentina), 15-8, 15-11
9) Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica) d. 24) Edwin Galicia (Guatemala), 15-8, 15-11
8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) d. 25) Rodrigo Salgado (Chile), 15-6, 15-2
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. 28) Alejandro Santos (Venezuela), 15-8, 15-6
12) Jose Daniel Ugalde (Ecuador) d. 21) Francisco Troncoso (Chile), 15-13, 15-7
13) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep.) d. 20) Cesar Castillo (Venezuela), 15-10, 10-15, 11-8
4) Sebastian Franco (Colombia) - BYE
3) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) - BYE
14) Samuel Murray (Canada) d. 19) Fernando Kurzbard (Argentina), 13-15, 15-8, 11-1
11) Andres Acuña (Costa Rica) d. 22) Christian Wer (Guatemala), 15-9, 15-8
6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 27) Carlos Medrano (Honduras), 15-7, 15-6
7) Jose Diaz (USA) d. 26) Selvin Cruz (Honduras), 15-6, 15-4
10) Fernando Rios (Ecuador) v. 23) Jayson Jordan (Puerto Rico), 15-5, 15-2
18) Noslen Jimenez (Cuba) d. 15) Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.), 15-10, 15-5
2) Andres Ramirez (Colombia) - BYE
Men's Singles - Round of 16
1) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) d. 16) Pedro Castro (Canada), 15-5, 15-3
8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) d. 9) Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica), 15-10, 14-15, 11-7
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. 12) Jose Daniel Ugalde (Ecuador), 15-9, 15-13
4) Sebastian Franco (Colombia) d. 13) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep.), 15-7, 8-15, 11-1
3) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) d. 14) Samuel Murray (Canada), 15-14, 15-9
6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 11) Andres Acuña (Costa Rica), 5-15, 15-13, 11-5
7) Jose Diaz (USA) d. 10) Fernando Rios (Ecuador), 9-15, 15-5, 11-8
18) Noslen Jimenez (Cuba) d. 2) Andres Ramirez (Colombia), 15-9, 8-15, 11-7
Men's Singles - Quarterfinals
1) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) v. 8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia)
4) Sebastian Franco (Colombia) v. 5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA)
3) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) v. 6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia)
7) Jose Diaz (USA) v. 18) Noslen Jimenez (Cuba)
Women's Doubles - Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
8) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) d. 9) Christine Richardson & Jennifer Saunders (Canada), 15-2, 15-4
5) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile) d. 12) Maria Cespedes & Merynanyelly Delgado Araujo (Dominican Rep.), 15-8, 12-15, 11-2
4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) d. 13) Paula Padilla & Lissel Padilla (Honduras), 15-8, 15-6
3) Rhonda Rajsich & Sheryl Lotts (USA) d. 14) Adriana Ramirez & Frances Vasquez (Puerto Rico), 15-2, 15-3
6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina) d. 11) Mariana Tobon & Mariana Paredes (Venezula), 15-13, 15-5
7) Maria Renee Rodriguez & Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala) d. 10) Melania Sauma Masis & Sofia Soley (Costa Rica), 15-4, 15-5
2) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) - BYE
Women's Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 8) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador)
4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) v. 5) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile)
3) Rhonda Rajsich & Sheryl Lotts (USA) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina)
2) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) v. 7) Maria Renee Rodriguez & Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala)
Men's Doubles - Round of 16
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) - BYE
8) Anthony Herrera & David Horn (USA) d. 9) Fernando Rios & Jose Daniel Alvarez (Ecuador), 15-10, 7-15, 11-4
5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.) d. 12) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Guatemala), 15-6, 15-8
4) Sebastian Franco & Juan Carlos Torres (Colombia) d. 13) Selvin Cruz & Raul Banegas (Honduras), 12-15, 15-3, 11-7
3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) d. 14) Jayson Jordan & Antonio Delgado (Puerto Rico), 15-4, 15-2
6) Vincent Gagnon & Mike Green (Canada) d. 11) Kadim Carrasco & Roland Keller (Bolivia), 15-4, 15-14
7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina) d. 10) Francisco Troncoso & Santiago Canedo (Chile), 15-7, 15-6
2) Cesar Castro & Jorge Hirsekorn (Venezuela) - BYE
Men's Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 8) Anthony Herrera & David Horn (USA)
4) Sebastian Franco & Juan Carlos Torres (Colombia) v. 5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.)
3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) v. 6) Vincent Gagnon & Mike Green (Canada)
2) Cesar Castro & Jorge Hirsekorn (Venezuela) v. 7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Jimenez first defeated Ramon De Leon of the Dominican Republic, 15-10, 15-5 , and then knocked off 2nd seed Andres Ramirez of Colombia, 15-9, 8-15, 11-7. In the quarters, Jimenez will face American Jose Diaz, who squeaked by Ecuador's Fernando Rios, 9-15, 15-5, 11-8.
The top eight seeds are through to the quarters on the women's side except for the 6th seed Adriana Riveros of Bolivia, who was beaten by 11th seed Cristina Amaya of Colombia, 15-7, 12-15, 11-1, but given Amaya is one of the top players on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT), this isn't really an upset.
Moving on but only after a tight match was 3rd seed Daniel De La Rosa of Mexico, who had a battle with Canadian Samuel Murray. Murray got to 14 first in game one, when he led 14-12. Murray had four game points, but couldn't finish the job as De La Rosa came back and won 15-14. The second game was also close, but De La Rosa won it with the final scoreline 15-14, 15-9.
De La Rosa next plays Conrado Moscoso of Bolivia, who was the silver medalist at last year's World Championships.
Moscoso and teammate Carlos Keller both had tight matches Saturday against the Costa Rican players. Moscoso defeated Andres Acuña, 5-15, 15-13, 11-5, while Keller took out Felipe Camacho, 15-10, 14-15, 11-7.
The Men's and Women's Doubles ran true to form in their first playoff round, as the higher seeded teams won all their matches.
There will be live streaming of matches Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Look for the link on the International Racquetball Federation website.
XXVIII Pan American Racquetball Championships
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - March 28-April 4, 2015
Women's Singles - Round of 32
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) - BYE
16) Angela Grisar (Chile) d. 17) Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala), 15-8, 7-15, 11-4
24) Jennifer Saunders (Canada) d. 9) Carolina Gomez (Colombia), 15-5, 10-15, 11-8
8) Carola Loma (Bolivia) d. 25) Adriana Ramierez (Puerto Rico), 15-0, 15-0
5) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) d. 28) Pamela Sierra (Honduras), 15-4, 15-3
12) Mariana Paredes (Venezuela) d. 21) Maria Regia Viera Gonzales (Cuba), 9-15, 15-8, 11-9
20) Maria Cespedes (Dominican Rep.) d. 13) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala), 7-15, 15-12, 11-9
4) María José Vargas (Argentina) d. 29) Paula Padilla (Honduras), 15-1, 15-4
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
14) Carla Muñoz (Chile) d. 19) Cecilia Cerquetti (Argentina), 15-6, 15-9
11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia) d. 22) Michèle Morissette (Canada), 15-8, 15-7
6) Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) d. 27) Frances Vasquez (Puerto Rico), 15-1, 15-2
7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 26) Naomi Sasso (Costa Rica), 15-3, 15-1
10) Mariana Tobon (Venezuela) d. 23) Melania Sauma (Costa Rica), 15-12, 15-9
15) Da'monique Davis (USA) d. 18) Merynanyelly Delgado Araujo (Dominican Rep.), 15-10, 15-4
2) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) - BYE
Women's Singles - Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 16) Angela Grisar (Chile), 15-2, 15-4
8) Carola Loma (Bolivia) d. 24) Jennifer Saunders (Canada), 15-9, 15-14
5) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) d. 12) Mariana Paredes (Venezuela), 15-1, 15-2
4) María José Vargas (Argentina) d. 20) Maria Cespedes (Dominican Rep.), 15-4, 15-7
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 14) Carla Muñoz (Chile), 15-1, 15-2
11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia) d. 6) Adriana Riveros (Bolivia), 15-7, 12-15, 11-1
7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 10) Mariana Tobon (Venezuela), 15-8, 15-6
2) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. 15) Da'monique Davis (USA), 15-14, 13-15, 11-1
Women's Singles - Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 8) Carola Loma (Bolivia)
4) María José Vargas (Argentina) v. 5) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador)
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 11) Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
2) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) v. 7) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador)
Men's Singles - Round of 32
1) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) - BYE
16) Pedro Castro (Canada) d. 17) Pablo Kurzbard (Argentina), 15-8, 15-11
9) Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica) d. 24) Edwin Galicia (Guatemala), 15-8, 15-11
8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) d. 25) Rodrigo Salgado (Chile), 15-6, 15-2
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. 28) Alejandro Santos (Venezuela), 15-8, 15-6
12) Jose Daniel Ugalde (Ecuador) d. 21) Francisco Troncoso (Chile), 15-13, 15-7
13) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep.) d. 20) Cesar Castillo (Venezuela), 15-10, 10-15, 11-8
4) Sebastian Franco (Colombia) - BYE
3) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) - BYE
14) Samuel Murray (Canada) d. 19) Fernando Kurzbard (Argentina), 13-15, 15-8, 11-1
11) Andres Acuña (Costa Rica) d. 22) Christian Wer (Guatemala), 15-9, 15-8
6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 27) Carlos Medrano (Honduras), 15-7, 15-6
7) Jose Diaz (USA) d. 26) Selvin Cruz (Honduras), 15-6, 15-4
10) Fernando Rios (Ecuador) v. 23) Jayson Jordan (Puerto Rico), 15-5, 15-2
18) Noslen Jimenez (Cuba) d. 15) Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.), 15-10, 15-5
2) Andres Ramirez (Colombia) - BYE
Men's Singles - Round of 16
1) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) d. 16) Pedro Castro (Canada), 15-5, 15-3
8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) d. 9) Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica), 15-10, 14-15, 11-7
5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. 12) Jose Daniel Ugalde (Ecuador), 15-9, 15-13
4) Sebastian Franco (Colombia) d. 13) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep.), 15-7, 8-15, 11-1
3) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) d. 14) Samuel Murray (Canada), 15-14, 15-9
6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 11) Andres Acuña (Costa Rica), 5-15, 15-13, 11-5
7) Jose Diaz (USA) d. 10) Fernando Rios (Ecuador), 9-15, 15-5, 11-8
18) Noslen Jimenez (Cuba) d. 2) Andres Ramirez (Colombia), 15-9, 8-15, 11-7
Men's Singles - Quarterfinals
1) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) v. 8) Carlos Keller (Bolivia)
4) Sebastian Franco (Colombia) v. 5) Jake Bredenbeck (USA)
3) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) v. 6) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia)
7) Jose Diaz (USA) v. 18) Noslen Jimenez (Cuba)
Women's Doubles - Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
8) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) d. 9) Christine Richardson & Jennifer Saunders (Canada), 15-2, 15-4
5) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile) d. 12) Maria Cespedes & Merynanyelly Delgado Araujo (Dominican Rep.), 15-8, 12-15, 11-2
4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) d. 13) Paula Padilla & Lissel Padilla (Honduras), 15-8, 15-6
3) Rhonda Rajsich & Sheryl Lotts (USA) d. 14) Adriana Ramirez & Frances Vasquez (Puerto Rico), 15-2, 15-3
6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina) d. 11) Mariana Tobon & Mariana Paredes (Venezula), 15-13, 15-5
7) Maria Renee Rodriguez & Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala) d. 10) Melania Sauma Masis & Sofia Soley (Costa Rica), 15-4, 15-5
2) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) - BYE
Women's Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 8) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador)
4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) v. 5) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile)
3) Rhonda Rajsich & Sheryl Lotts (USA) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas & Véronique Guillemette (Argentina)
2) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) v. 7) Maria Renee Rodriguez & Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala)
Men's Doubles - Round of 16
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) - BYE
8) Anthony Herrera & David Horn (USA) d. 9) Fernando Rios & Jose Daniel Alvarez (Ecuador), 15-10, 7-15, 11-4
5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.) d. 12) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Guatemala), 15-6, 15-8
4) Sebastian Franco & Juan Carlos Torres (Colombia) d. 13) Selvin Cruz & Raul Banegas (Honduras), 12-15, 15-3, 11-7
3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) d. 14) Jayson Jordan & Antonio Delgado (Puerto Rico), 15-4, 15-2
6) Vincent Gagnon & Mike Green (Canada) d. 11) Kadim Carrasco & Roland Keller (Bolivia), 15-4, 15-14
7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina) d. 10) Francisco Troncoso & Santiago Canedo (Chile), 15-7, 15-6
2) Cesar Castro & Jorge Hirsekorn (Venezuela) - BYE
Men's Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 8) Anthony Herrera & David Horn (USA)
4) Sebastian Franco & Juan Carlos Torres (Colombia) v. 5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep.)
3) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) v. 6) Vincent Gagnon & Mike Green (Canada)
2) Cesar Castro & Jorge Hirsekorn (Venezuela) v. 7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina)
Follow the bouncing ball....
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