Welcome,
Thought I would post review of Natalie's on court experience for the last couple of months. The last tournament of her college career would also be her last appearance in the NCAAs. Natalie made it through the singles draw to lose in the round of 16, earning the All American title for singles. She and her partner Kata worked their way through the doubles draw to lose in the semi finals. Both of these Lady Volunteers earned the All American title for doubles. Very exciting indeed and a wonderful way for Natalie to end a wonder career at UT. Becoming a 4x All American was one of her goals going into her freshman year, so she was very excited to have accomplished it.
A few days after the NCAAs, we found ourselves flying to El Paso's 25K for Natalie's first tourney as a professional player. She had a solid start, winning a her way through the qualifying tourney to move into the main draw. We had a great time with some of the friends we met last year, Charlie, Donna, Tessa and Nicole to mention a few. We have grown to love El Paso and the folks there.
Upon our return Natalie headed to Florida to train, preparing for the US Open Series tourney here in the ATL. Unfortunately, this tourney started the hottest weekend we have had this summer. Natalie played singles and mixed doubles (partner: Hunter Reese - UT men's team). She played nine matches in four days, in temps of 102, 106, 101, 100 with 100 percent humidity. It was insane! She was in a battle during the final of singles when she hit the brick wall of heat distress. Going down in the 3rd set 4-0.....when I guess the pedilyte kicked in and she won 6 games in a roll and the title. Crazy comeback for sure! Two hours later, she found herself back on the court in the mixed dubs finals. She and Hunter played well but came up a little short. They had a great time on the court together, hopefully they will play again soon. Winning this title gives Natalie a bid into a wild card tournament in August. We will head to New Haven, CT, where she will be one of thirteen playing for the WC into the qualifier draw of the US Open. Exciting Indeed!
A few days later, we headed to Yakima, Washington. This would be Natalie's first 50K tourney. Exhausted from the nine matches played a few days earlier, Natalie had to get it together. And she did, starting in the qualifier draw and winning her way into the main. She beat the #257 player in the world and was excited, a good win for sure. Natalie teamed up with Elizabeth Lumpkin to play doubles. They played very well together, losing in the semi final match. Another solid tournament for Natalie and a good start to her career and the building of her rankings. The wins from this tourney moved her up in rankings considerably. Must say we were lucky to meet Chuck and Lisa while sharing nachos. What lovely folks, they had us over for a home cooked meal and to pick cherries in their yard. It was cherry time in Washington St, OMG fabulous....I've .....we've never eaten sooooo many cherries in our lives. Cherries in Washington State is like peaches in July to us in Georgia.
Natalie flew red eye directly to the 10K Evansville, Indiana....while I flew home. I drove to Indiana the next day to meet her. She was feeling the road beat from two straight weeks and what 16 matches. Not to mention the time and weather changes. She lost in the first round of singles to the 6th seed. However, she and Mallory Burdette played doubles together. They beat the #1 seeded team on their way to the finals. Losing in the finals, but a great tournament for sure. A great doubles team. It was nice for Natalie to still be playing but able to rest because she was out of singles. We were pleasantly surprised with Evansville, it has sooo much to offer. Our friend Joe Punke drove over from Louisville to watch Natalie in the semi final and final of dubs. Was good to spend time with Joe, he has watched Natalie in high school sports, college sports and now on the tour.
Well, with a few days at home running around like nuts. We find ourselves ALMOST prepared to leave tomorrow for the 100K Vancouver tourney. As of now, Natalie isn't "in" the tourney yet. But, as we take the leap of faith, we feel she has a very good chance to get in for both singles and dubs. I will continue to update.
I'll keep following the bouncing ball and reporting back to you! Love and Blessings.....Sherry
