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!
