Brief?

My lack of sleep last nite has lead to my pure exhausted at this moment.  So, this will be brief and I'm sorry.

On my Facebook page my post read....."Has just watched Natalie play the best set of tennis in the last 12 months...won it 6-0".   That summed it up!  She hit through the ball beautifully and played smart.

Then my Facebook page read...."Wow....all I can say is WOW!! Redemption is an understatement! Won the second set 6-1. Farris is ranked 405...so a good win for Natalie.....WOW....very few errors I would guess less the 12 the entire match. Exciting indeed...way to go Nat!!"  Need I say more....I think not!

Here is the dubs scoop....Natalie and Jackie broke Oudin to go up...then won Jackie's serve to go

up 2-1. Keys served and we went up 15-40 but couldn't seal the deal so it was 2-1. Nat served us to 3-1...up 15-40 with Oudin serving and lost it to go to 4-2. Then we took control and cruised to 6-2. Lord I ...hope I have that right. May have been 6-3. Anyway we won the set.

The second set was filled will errors on our side of the net and Oudin and Keys stepped up their game and took the set 6-3....they were up 5-1.

OMG ... Tie breaker time... We went down 2-6 then battled to 6-9.....with Jackie serving to make it 7-9, Keys served and we made it 9 ALL.....(yes, I need a drink at this point). Natalie to serve us to victory ....Keys volley wide and then Keys return into the net for the match to Pluskota and Cako! 
 

Poor Ruthie and David were exhausted after the match.  David said he kept using his "body English" to help the ball over the net.  Toooo cute indeed!

 

Tomorrow.....Natalie plays Oudin (3seed) (USA/ranked 98), and will be second on after 10....so that is code for 12ish.  With the exception of today's doubles match, these two haven't played against each other in prolly over 10 years.  Will be a great match between friends.

 

Doubles will be fourth on ...soooo 3:30ish.  "Our team" will face Shelby Rogers (USA)/Tomljenovic(INA) who are ranked 605 for this tournament.  "Our team" is ranked 675.

 

I hope this blog makes sense for I truly am exhausted.  Natalie and Jackie dressed up as tennis players to go trick n treating tonight.  I arranged with a club member Matt Pierce for the girls to go on his hay ride through the neighborhood with about 30 children and their parents.  I know Nat and Jackie had a blast, they talked all day bout going trick n treating.....such a simple thing....but such a big thing for this two road warriors.  So, many thanks to Matt (Bubba Gump) and friends for making us feel right at home and giving the girls a sweet taste of normalcy.  Don't care what anyone says....you are never toooo old to go trick n treating!

 

Nite all....Love and Blessings!  OOOO the dreams I will have bout them yellow bouncing balls tonight.....until tomorrow.....Sherry

A long day indeed.....

Thank goodness....Sandy has finished...sooo glad that is over for our family and friends that have been affected.  As well as anyone else in her pathway.  May the good Lord continue to protect and care for you all!

Many thanks to Ruthie, David and Ray for coming out to watch Natalie today.  Always nice to have support around, especially on a day of struggle on the court.  Fun too, trying to teach tennis 101.  It can be very confusing as many of you know.

Today has been a long day indeed, and still not over for me.  Natalie played Sanaz today, who is a great young lady.  Nat lost the first set rather quickly, was down 1-5 and battled back to 3-5 before losing it.  She took control of the second set, well for the most part and was on top 6-2.  The third set was much like the first, full of early Christmas presents for Sanaz.  Meaning, errors by Natalie were free points for opponent.  Not to take away from Sanaz, she certainly did what it took to win the match.

Totally frustrated coming off the court, Natalie was on her way to the tournament desk to find out about her "lucky loser" position.  When a friend stopped her to let her know that she was indeed the "lucky loser" and was in the main draw.  I'm going to attemp to explain what is meant by "lucky loser" without giving tooooo many details and it sounding confusing.  Sooooo basically the players that lose in the last round of the qualifying draw become eligible "lucky losers".  They are placed in an order, and if a spot in the main draw opens (due to illness, "no show", etc.) then the "lucky loser" gets that spot. 

Natalie's quote upon finding out she was in the main draw after losing, "I've never been so honored to lose.....redemetion time".  HHHMMM  I like the way that sounds!

OK, now onto tomorrow.  Nat will play Elizabeth Ferris (USA), second on after 10 o'clock which is code for 1ish.  I'm sorry I don't know her ranking, draw is in bedroom with Nat and I'm not poking the bear at this time of night...wink, wink.  I'm thinking she is ranking around 450ish or so.

After that, Natalie and Jackie will play the first round of main draw doubles.  Against the third seeded team of Keys/Oudin.  Both opponents are from the USA.  Should be great doubles match.  When Nat saw them on the "sign up" sheet she said she hoped that got to play them.  A wish granted, what a lucky Dog....NatDog indeed!

Guess I need to try to rest these eyes, for I will be watching many bouncing yellow balls tomorrow.  Until then....nite all!  May the USA rest peacefully tonight after a long few days watching "Sandy's Eye"!  God Bless America!

Still praying and a Texas Update

Still praying for those in the northeast and those affected by "Sandy"!

Well, today has been a long day indeed.  At the courts by 10 for the warm up.  Then waiting for her court to free up.  Which of course it didn't, match one went to a third set.  But thankfully, Natalie was moved to another court.  With a solid start Natalie jumped ahead in the first, then behind before taking control and winning it 6-3.  Amidst the many missed "out" calls and frustration.  Unfortunately, the line person calling the service box line....missed them all.  The chair started to call them.  Makes it so difficult for the players.

Anyway, Natalie led the entire second set and was up 5-3.  When Kari Wong surged back and Natalie had some errors and it was soon 5-4.  Then 5 all.  And 6-5 with Natalie serving for the match.  She went up 40-15 with some great serves.....and a missed long serve call by offical.  And then winner, winner.  Nat implemented somethings she has been working on, exciting indeed! 

Tomorrow, Nat will play Sanaz Mirand in singles.  With the win she will secure a spot in the main draw.   Natalie and Jackie's first doubles match will be Wednesday vs. 3 seeds Oudin and Keys.  When Nat saw their names on the sign up sheet she said "I really want to play them".  So, she is excited to get her wish.  Her and Mel have been friends and trained together for a long time.  We always enjoy seeing her and hanging out.  They haven't been on a court across from each other in competition in years.  But whenever Natalie gets a chance, she never lets Mel forget about her getting a point on her in a dubs match with a "tweener".  I think they were like 14....they always laugh about it.  No one remembers who won that match....only about the "tweener".  Sooo fun and funny!

Well, these eyes are tired from watching the little yellow ball....so until tomorrow!  Thhhhattt's Allll Fooollkkkkssss!  Love and Blessings.....Sherry

Dear God....

Please keep our east coast safe and sound.....Amen!

Monday's match time...

Natalie will play third on after 10 o'clock vs. Kari Wong (USA).

Greetings from the "BIG" state of Texas.....

Greetings from the "BIG" state of Texas.....cuz you know everything is "bigger" here,

Arrived on Thursday, and was taken in by the wonderful Ruthie and David.  Has been great to get to know them and hear their great stories from their travels and about their family.  Their loveyly home is a collection of wonderful items from their travels.  By the way, Ruthie and her twin sister played doubles together....word on the street is..... there are still some men out there that are afraid to play "Ruthless Ruthie". 

Yesterday, we traveled to Waco so that Natalie could train with some folks we know.  Was so nice to see them and some of our Waco friends.  We traveled back to New Braunfels this morning so that Natalie could "check in" and practice on the tournament courts.  We aren't sure what has happened to all the folks that were registered to come to this tournament.  There was about 100 alternates and now the qualifer draw has "byes" in it.  Very strange indeed.  Well, Natalie has a "bye" tomorrow, so she will use the time to train.  Which is really nice, one less match to play before getting into the main draw. 

So long for now....stay tuned!

Life on the road...

ZZzzzzzzzz on the plane....gotta catch em when you can!

Texas Bound....

Morning ...just waiting to take off into the wild blue.... Flight is empty, well thought was gunna be good but then momma and tiny baby arrive to sit next to me. She cheerfully moved to empty row in front of us.... Prayers the real owners of those seats don't show up.

Anyway...play to begin on Sunday. staying with another "hook up" host family .... Many thanks to Kennedy! Can't wait to meet them!

See you on the flip side, when I get to go follow the bouncing yellow ball! Love and Blessings!

Rock Hill Rocks Open Pics....

 Rock Hill Rocks Open -  25K Tournament

Natalie and Tessa

"T" and Natalie

Brad, Natalie and Kristin

Marine challenge....trying to get that free tshirt!  She did!

Add caption

Our awesome hosts.....Cassandra and Lance

Mayor Doug Echols presents the trophies and gifts

The Champions!

Winner, Winner......

Body Art via Pluskota

The Loftin kids and Natalie

Natalie, Mayor Echols and Jackie

Jackie, Cassandra, Lance, Natalie

The trophy and the Swatch watch gift

Rock Hill Rocks Open....wrap up

Before I wrapped up the tennis part of Rock Hill.  I must speak about our friends new and old.  We had the pleasure of staying with new friends Lance and Cassandra in their lovely home.  Lovely in so many ways, most importantly it is filled with a wonder couple.  We so enjoyed their company and great meals.  And btw....Natalie and Jackie owe their win to Lance....who before every match gave Natalie's tennis bag a "magic touch" for luck.

We had a great time getting to know Jenny Webber and her hubby "hot lips" Webber.  The parents of a good friend of Natalie's Andrew, they drove up to see some tennis.  It was so interesting to listen to their love and passion (ok mostly Jenny's) for shooting pictures in cemeteries.  Which I have and do find it very interesting to tool around in one and look at the stones, so I could understand.  We thought their two best stories were....being locked in a cemetery because they missed closing time.  The second, Jenny's only memory of going to a football stadium was what happened under the bleechers....hence the "hot lips".   Thank goodness back in our day....lips were the only thing touching.

We were able to see Kristin, Kelsey, Brad, Tessa and "T".  Many thanks to them for some great meals and strolls down memory lane.  They lived in Newnan for a couple of years before moving to Charlotte.  Was fun to see how great Kelsey looks and have the chance to see where she works.  Then we saw Tessa cheer at her last home game as a junior in high school.

Was great to spend time with all of these wonderful folks.  We were in Charlotte and Rock Hill for eight days.  Most of the time, that many days on the road just drags on and on.  Because we were able to be with all of these wonderful folks.....it seem like a "flash" of time.


OK....time to talk tennis....the finals....

Natalie and Jackie faced Chieh-Yu Hsu and Chi Chi Scholl in the finals at Rock Hill.  Their ranking for this tournament was 550....and Nat/Jac's was 694.

Natalie and Jackie came out strong.  Breaking Chi Chi's serve with great returns and volleys.  You could tell our team was gunna be aggressive today.  Was our serve and we made quick work of it and were up 2-0.  All four of these ladies have great hands at the net.  However, the opponents prefer to stay one up and one back, which for us ....worked to our advantage.  Natalie and Jackie came in strong and big to the net.  They owned it all day.   Our team took the first set pretty quickly, 6-2.

The second set was much like the first.  With some additional entertainment for us and the radio audience coming from Natalie's challenge to the chair umpire.  You see....the opposing team was serving, Natalie receiving.  The line judge behind Nat called the serve out, but almost in the middle of the word "out"...she stopped herself or finished it in more quiet tone.  The girls continued the point and once over, Natalie spoke to the chair.  Stating what happened at that the point should be replayed as a "let".  The chair told Nat that they should have not continued the point and that he didn't hear the call.  Natalie turned to the lady who made the call and asked her if she called it out.  The lines person said she had.  The chair then told Natalie that they should have stopped the point.  Natalie stated that the players are told to continue play and that the line judge should have stopped the point not her or Jackie. The chair agreed and they replayed the point.

I guess my "lil angels" voice and opinion came out loud and clear on the radio coverage.  For we have had many contact us since to let us know they hear it.   Funny indeed....but right is right as they say.

Natalie and Jackie won the second set 6-3, they were up 3-0 before having aaahhhh a brain fart.  Then regained control and finished it off.  Champions!  In addition to a glass tennis racquet trophy they each received a Swatch watch.  Both are very nice and the ladies were very excited to say the least!

Champions!

Natalie and Jackie won 6-2, 6-3

Radio coverage today

Radiotennis.com. Match starts at 11

What Champions are made of.....

After the dubs match, stop for a quick bite, an appearance at a football game then back home for some yuuummmmyyyy gumbo (thanks Cassandra & Lance)....had nothing left in my tank for blogging.  Soooooo here we go.....

First, let me say how proud of Natalie and Jackie for  the manner in which they conduct themselves both on and off the court.  Never being rude or disrespectful to their opponents.  Wish the same were true of their opponents.  Anyway.....I digressed.

Jackie started out serving, and with a few great serves and great Pluskota volleys we were up 1-0.  Able to  break their serve easily we were up 2-0.  In the middle of Natalie's service game the opponents asked for a trainer.  Yes, a trainer in the 3rd game of the first set.  Natalie served well, Jackie volley well and we were up 3-0 prior to the trainer's appearance.

The trainer and player spoke for a few moments, poking her stomach.  Then the opponents started to question the USTA rep concerning if she defaulted could she leave and go play the next tournament in Florence that started tomorrow (Sunday).  And what are the penalities.  Wait, I'm I in the twilight zone or are we on medical time out???

The official was explaining that if she defaults she can't play until Monday, meaning she would miss the first round on Sunday.  That if she played out the match she could play on Sunday and suffer no pentalities.  Then a her parent/coach starting having a convo in Russian with the two players on the court.  AGAIN....am I in the twight zone or is this a medical time out??

To the credit of the USTA rep, she did stop that convo and continued with rule information.  About 10 - 15 minutes into all this....FINALLY .....the chair umpire says ....'XXXX is now taking a medical time out".......wait ....WHAT?    Exactly what kind of break had she been on?????   Now, she gets 10 more minutes......UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

Ten minutes went by, and we were off and running.  It was clear from the laughing, attiutude and mocking of our team that our opponents were just playing to not get penalized.  Their rudeness and lack of sportmanship made me soooo thankful for the awesome women and players of Natalie and Jackie.

Natalie and Jackie won the second, 6-0.  And away to the Championship we goooooo!

Of course, I think Natalie and Jackie are Champions already both on and off the court.  Congrats Ladies for representing yourselves, your families, the USA and your coaches sooooo well!

WE GOING TO THE SHIP....

Ok, don't have time to post all the details right now...but they won 6-3, 6-1.....drama driven match.... Will detail out later.

Championship on Sunday!

Finally the wait and day are over....

After waiting for what seemed forever for the second match on center court to finish so Natalie and Jackie could start.  The officials gave into the idea and moved their match to court 2.  They played the 2nd seeded team of Duqui-Marino (COL) and Perez (VEN), ranked 424th.

Natalie and Jackie had their slowest start yet as a team.  Guess they should have re-warmed up.  Anyway, they lost the first set 1-6, it what seem like a flash....maybe 25 minutes.  Starting the second set with a break of the opponents serve....game them a little pep in the step which def was lacking the first set.  Natalie served a quick game 2 and we were on top, and feeling good.  Finally, putting pressure on the two that are from south of our boarders.

Going up 3-1, then tied at 3 all, was enough to get my nerves going.  Then 4 all, 5 all and into a breaker for the second set.  We got out to a fast start and went up 4-2 in the breaker.  A lucky net cord in our favor followed by a double fault from our opponents and our team was up 6-2.  You could see the pressure was applied and the opponents were feeling it, getting tight.  A forehand into the net and the second set was ours.

Following a short break and we were off and running in the third.  Going up 3-1 rather quickly....Natalie serving up an "ace" out wide put us up 4-1 and put the opponents shoulders down.  A great rally by both teams came to an end with a "sick" cross court shot by Jackie and it was 7-3.  There was no looking back and we were on a roll.  It went 9-3 then 9-4...then ...you guessed it....winner, winner....10-4!   Woot!

Tomorrow, the ladies will play the Semi Finals and will face the 701st ranked team of Gabeva (RUS) and Rodeonova (RUS).   Natalie has faced both of these ladies before on seperate.  They were not  playing together as a team.  The match will be third on after 11 o'clock....which is code for 3ish.

Congrats to Natalie and Jackie....way to stick it out and battle!  So proud of both of you!

Moved...no radio coverage

Due to center courts match being in third...Nat's match had been moved ...sorry no radio coverage

Match b4 Nat's ....just split sets

Will be one hour-ish till Nat and Jackie go on

Today's match...still waiting

Should be about hour till the go on....match before them still on...and...may split...

Live broadcast of Natalie's dubs match

From what we can tell today's match will be covered on radiotennis.com. Just an FYI ....if you would like to listen!

Rock Hill's Kids Clinic

Rock Hill's Kids Clinic

Natalie and others get introduced to the kids of the clinic.

Samone

Emily

Natalie and Sanaz explain the game plan.