Match cancelled... Rain

Match has been cancelled due to rain.

Live Feed Update.....

Natalie and partner Sanaz will be taking tothe courts in approximately 45 minutes.  The match that is on their court is in the start of the 3rd set.  I would suggest logging onto tournament live feed in about 30 minutes.  It takes a few moments to load and then you can watch the match on the top screen.  When that match is over, "our team" will be taking the court.  Here is the link to the live feed:

http://www.usta.com/Pro-Tennis/Pro-Circuit/pro_circuit_live__indian_harbour_beach/

Live Feed of Natalie's Doubles Match.....this afternoon

The Kiwi Club is broadcasting matches live on two tournament courts.  Natalie's doubles match will be featured today.  They are the fourth match on, the court is currently on the second match.  You can either go to the link below and keep up with who is playing....or check back here and I will post something near the start of their match.  Should start around 3ish.


http://www.usta.com/Pro-Tennis/Pro-Circuit/pro_circuit_live__indian_harbour_beach/

Florida Update

Being out of singles after losing yesterday to the 6th seed, has Natalie on the practice court today.  She will team up with Sanaz Marand (USA) for doubles.  They are tournament ranked 473.  The opponents are Laura Pous-Teo (ESP) and Arina Rodeonova (RUS), who are tournament ranked 705.  They will play tomorrow, fourth on after ten.....code for 3ish.  Should be a good solid match of doubles.  And of course this bias mom predicts "our team" win be victorious!

There is live scoring and broadcasting of some of the matches at the tournament site, here is the link:

http://www.kiwitennisclub.com/


Last night, Natalie was able to enjoy fellowship with her host family and the neighbors.  Guess ping pong was the sport of the night....with....a lot of trash talking.....too funny!  Much fun was had, which was a great thing after yesterday's loss.

New Rankings....woot....good news is.....

Congrats Natalie....new rankings are posted.....you improved your rankings to:

Singles:  562
Doubles:  177

Greetings for Georgia and Florida!

Greetings from Georgia....and Florida!  We both made it to our destinations yesterday.   Natalie to Indian Harbour, Florida and me to home.  Spoke to Nat yesterday evening, she was next in line for a wild card into the main, however didn't get it for the person ahead of her accepted it.  Therefore, she will play in the qualifier draw of the Audi Melbourne 50K Pro Tennis Classic.  Here is a link to the Kiwi Club's webpage, there will be live scoring:

http://www.kiwitennisclub.com/

Natalie(567) will play fourth on after ten today.....code for 4ish.  Her opponent is the 6th seed Belinda Bencic (SUI), ranked 425.  Here is a link to Bencic's profile:

http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/players/player/profile.aspx?playerid=100153112

Natalie was definitely affected by yesterday's 4:07 a.m. wake up call and trip to the Richmond Airport. She was telling me about her very long and tiring day which ended in this manner:

Nat:  "my host mom and I went down to the neighbor's to send off of the kids to the prom"
Sherry:  "how nice"
Nat:  "it was very nice, the kids looked great and the neighbor is a really nice guy"  "guess he researched me a little, because he was talking to me bout my tennis career"
Sherry:  "very sweet and impressive that he took the time"
Nat:  "yes, guess he was a really good pro baseball player, retired now"  "So he is really into sports like us"
Sherry:  "ahhh ok, who is he and who did he play for?"
Nat:   "hhhmmm I don't his name and I think he played for the Cardinals"  "I'm looking forward to chatting with him more, very nice guy"  "He's gunna come watch me tomorrow so I will definitely know his name by then"  "I'm just too tired, mom"

I couldn't help but laugh, poor thing was exhausted.  Her flight left Richmond at 6 a.m., had a lay over in Atlanta.  Landed in Florida around 11 a.m. and she went to practice.  Moved into the host family's home, dinner then to the wonderful neighbors for prom pics.  A long day indeed, she was passing out around nine last night.....I'm sure she felt great once her head hit the pillow.

The journey, it's all about the journey of tennis.  These memories and the ones yet to come, keep us going on this journey.  The wonderful people and places help to keep the motivation high.  Natalie couldn't be living her dream without either!  Thank you!!

As of this moment, I won't be watching the lil yellow ball bounce this week.  Was supposed to have my knee surgery, another long story!  But I will be watching the live scoring.....so until then....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Many Thanks!

Many thanks to Boyd Tinsley, Ron Manilla and the Boar's Head Sports Club for a great tournament.  We have enjoyed getting to know them and Charlottesville a little better.  And thanks to our host family for making life a lil like home for us, John, Bethany, Carly and Jack.

Here's a short view of our stay via my lens, hope you enjoy!

Needing help....

Needing help.... If anyone has flyer miles they would like to "gift" to Natalie, please email me : sherrypluskota@yahoo.com

Or if you have any buddy passes you would like to share.

Thanks!
Sherry

A beautiful morning in the countryside of Virginia

A beautiful morning in the countryside of Virginia, a bit chilly but the sun rose beautifully.  Natalie's play at this tournament ended close to 8 o'clock last night.  She and Alexandra lost in two straight sets, a good solid effort by both players.  We found ourselves at a very late night dinner before making our way through the dark countryside to our lovely little cottage in the woods.  We girls could get used to living here, so gorgeous!  We so appreciate our hosts for the week, John, Bethany, Jack and Carly.

Natalie has been up and at it already this morning.  Had a hit, then the gym and now bout to have another hit.  On Saturday, she will fly out of Richmond to Florida, the Indian Harbour 50K Tournament.  I however, will be driving home that day.  For I have a pending knee surgery on Monday, waiting to hear bout that today.

Although the lil bouncing yellow ball is only on the practice court today....it is still bouncing....so time for me to check it out.....Love and Blessing.....Sherry!

One of the views from our windows in the cottage

Their beautiful backyard!

Dubs for Natalie and partner Allie Mueller....

Tomorrow dubs will begin for Natalie and her partner Allie Mueller.  They will play 4th on after 10....which is code for 3ish.  Their opponents are Adriana Perez (VEN) and Veronica Cepede-Royg (PAR), who are tourney ranked 436.  Nat and Allie are tourney ranked 474, first time pairing up.  As a reminder, tourney ranked means....they taken each player's doubles ranking and add it to their partner's ranking and the total is their tournament ranking.

The weather is supposed to be warm tomorrow, so I should be able to take my hands out of my pocket and from underneath the blanket to post updates during her match.  However, the weatherperson is not always right (I know big surprise), so we will see what happens.

The lil yellow bouncing ball begins in less then 24......until then.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Boyd Tinsley Clay Court Classic Update

The Boars Head Club is doing an excellent job of hosting the Boyd Tinsley Clay Court Classic. Last night we had the pleasure of spending time with Drew, Daryl and others at the player's party.   I believe it is their 12th year.  Following a motivating speech by Boyd, we enjoyed a delicious dinner and fellowship.  Highlighted with the celebrating of Drew's COUGH50thCOUGH birthday.

Natalie and the Birthday Boy....Drew.....Happy Birthday!

Natalie is at a local school this morning, hopefully inspiring some of our youth.  She really has a calling for this type of activity.  And of course I love to hear the stories following the visits.  

Upon her return, she had two practice sessions scheduled.  Then back to the house to hopefully spend time with the boyscouts.

Tomorrow, Natalie and her partner Alexandra Mueller will begin doubles play.  They are tournament ranked 474.  This will be the first time they team up, should be a great dubs pair.  The schedule for tomorrow has not been released as of yet, but will be an afternoon match.

Please be reminded that due to internet and phone service, as well as it being cold outside.....my posts will be few this week.  I will do my best!  Until the lil ball bounces tomorrow.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Sorry soooo long since I've blogged....

Sorry sooo long since I've blogged.  Our wonderful cottage on the countryside is without internet service at the moment.  And when I'm at the tennis club, been out in the freezing cold or too busy.  Sorry!

Yesterday, Natalie began the qualifying draw with a match against Casey Robenson (USA), ranked 909 in the world.  Coming out strong and hitting through the ball beautifully won Nat the match.  The ladies played good solid tennis.  Which is exactly what Natalie needed for a first match, a bit of a grind match.

Today, she played Chalana Scholl (USA), ranked closely at 585 in the world.  Scholl won today.  But Natalie played one of the best matches of the last month.  It is not always about winning....sometimes its bout new things clicking.  And clicking they were, the future!

With Natalie out of singles, we find ourselves waiting till Wednesday for doubles to begin.  Tonight will be the players party, tomorrow will be practice and kids clinics.  Then the Boyscouts will be at our host family's home for a party and to earn a badge, so we will enjoy that as well.

I will update you as I can, phone and internet service hard to get here sooooo please bare with me!  Until we read again......Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Video...Memories of Dothan!

Memories of Dothan!

God Bless Boston and America!

Good Bless the folks of the Boston Marathon and America!

Natalie started singles at 8 a.m. on Monday morning.  Losing to the two seed,  2-3.  Then yesterday, she and Jen played dubs against Jess Pegula and Emily Harmen....another American team.  These ladies battled the first set with us up 5-4, with Jen serving.  Shortly after getting broke we were in a set breaker.  We were up in the breaker only to lose it with 3 errors in a row.  "Our team" lost the second set and match.  Kudos to Natalie on some awesome doubles play today.  She really played aggressive, never ceases to amaze me how quick she can get to a ball.  So fun to watch!

We leave for home today, for me.....a 48 hour stent.  For Natalie, 72 hours.  Woot!  Then off to Virginia, to the Boyd Tinsley 50K Clay Classic.  Currently, Nat is third out of the qualifier, and second American.  We are looking forward to seeing some old friends at this tourney.

Many thanks to Lesley and Lucy (the dog) for hosting us this week.  And to Danny for helping to take care of us this week.  Was really nice meeting these folks and enjoying great fellowship.  We look forward to their friendships.

Time to wrap this up and my packing too.  Chasing that lil yellow bouncing ball northward soon....until then.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Finally Sunny Dothan...

Good Morning from the finally sunny Dothan, Alabama!

Although yesterday was a total wash out on the courts, it wasn't as a whole.  We spent the day with our hosts, Leslie, Danny and Leslie's dog Lucy.  We had a cooking fest as they say.  Homemade spegetti and chocolate lasagna.  A yummy day indeed!

We are here at  the courts already this morning for Natalie plays at 8:00 a.m.  Very unusal on the pro circuit but they are trying to get the matches done prior to the arrival of more rain.  Nat is playing the two seed, Sechie Ishizu (JAP).  Should be a good match, don't think I've ever seen Ishizu play....so can't really make any informed comments. When Natalie wins (yes, my bias opinion), she would play again probably around noon today. 

Doubles registration ends at noon today, so will will know bout that this afternoon.  Natalie and Jen will either begin dubs play tomorrow or Wednesday.  However, the weather doesn't look good for either day. 

Well, the lil yellow ball is about to begin to bounce....let me go find it.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Video....Pelham Kids Clinic

Pelham Kids Clinic

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Natalie made it into the qualifier draw, she will play the second seed of Ishizu (JAP), Sorry if spelled wrong trying to read draw in dark by light of my phone. Hahahah

She will play second on after 10... Which of course is secret code for 11:30ish. Weather permitting.

Nite!

Doubles and...

Hey Y'all~~

Natalie and Jen started their dubs match around noon.  Lost the first set rather quickly, no energy on our side of the net.  And much energy from the wild card team of Murdock and Turner.  The second set was "ours" rather quickly and our team was in complete control.  A breaker instead of a third set always makes things interesting.  We came out in command and took a 3-0 lead.  However, unforced errors costed us in a big way and before you knew it.... we were at four all.  We never saw the lead again, losing the breaker 6-10.  Not a good day on the dubs court!

 Following dubs was lunch and then back to the courts for a Kids Clinic.  Chaney, Rusty, Billie and all the staff did a great job organizing the clinic.  About 75 to 100 children were in attendance, by far the more attendees to a clinic Natalie has worked.  Great time was had by all, that is for sure!  I'll be posting pictures, as soon as I get the time.

Must thank the Pelham Tennis Center for a great tourney.  We were here many years ago, Nat was playing on the Southern's Zonal Team.  That too was a great experience!  Was fun walk through our memories of zonals while making new ones here in Pelham.

For now, its blogging, showering, packing the car.  Soon we will be "on the road again", heading south to Dothan, Alabama.  Natalie is still third out of the qualifying draw, so she should get into the tourney.  There are still four spots available.

My lil yellow ducky is calling my name, so time to scrub a dub, dub!  Have a Blessed Saturday....until Dothan and Dobb's BBQ.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Pics -- Rick and Bubba Show

Natalie on the Rick and Bubba Radio Show

left to right:  Bubba, Skip Gilbert (USTA), Chaney Mills (Pelham TC), Natalie and Rick

Safe and sound

Safe and sound here in Alabama, thank you Lord!

We were up and out early this morning.  Natalie had a live appearance on the Rick and Bubba Radio Show.  She did a great job and really enjoyed the opportunity.  What a great morning show!

The tourney was able to get the singles matches completed prior to the storms, but doubles were cancelled.  Natalie and Jen will play second on after 10 a.m. tomorrow.  Once they win that match, they will have a break and play a second match.  More than likely around 4ish.

Just checked....Natalie is third alternate out of Dothan and fifth out of Charlottesville.  So very good chance to get into both of those tournaments.  A great thing!

The stench of a certain someone's laundry bag is screaming at us, so off to the laundry mat.  What else is there to do on a rainy day??  After all we already took naps!

Prayers going out to all those already affected by these horrible storms and to those still in the path, stay safe....we need you in our lives!

Until the lil yellow ball dries off enough to commence bouncing....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Local buzz....

Local buzz about the weather is at full strength.  Supposed to be wicked tomorrow, so the schools will have an early dismissal day to ensure the safety of all.  Prayers for all those it the path of these horrible storms, including us.

Tomorrow will be an early morning for Natalie will be a guest on the Rick and Bubba live radio show. This Birmingham station is at 97.3 on the local dial.  However, they do broadcast in other cities, you can check their website for a complete listing, here are a few:

• Knoxville, TN  92.7 FM and 12.40 AM
• Macon, GA 98.1 FM
• Dothan, AL 93.7 FM
• Memphis, TN 1500 AM

Tune in tomorrow, and hear our girl Natalie along with Rick and Bubba!

Today was a day spent in a holding pattern.  Waiting "our" turn for a court.  Eventually, getting moved to another court.  Natalie and Jen worked well together, both having great hands at the net.  They took a 3-1 lead rather quickly with great serves and volleys.  Then let the opponents get back into the set, and locked in at 4 all.  However, "our team" hung tough the next two games and won the first set.  Going down 1-2 in the second, Nat and Jen had to battle to win the set.  But once they regained control, they rolled to the victory and onto the quarterfinals.

Natalie and Jen will be the featured match at 6:30 p.m. on centre court.  Weather permitting.  They will play the wild card team of Ashley Murdock USA) and Epiphany Turner (USA).  The opponents are tournament ranked 1581, and are two lovely ladies.  Will be a friendly match of solid dubs.

Well, off to bed I go, we have an early morning with Rick and Bubba!  Hopefully everyone will be safe and sound and the lil yellow ball will bounce tomorrow....until then.....Love and Blessings....Sherry! 

Just sitting here in the dark,

Just sitting here in the dark, typing the blog.  "Our gal" is still slumbering away and lil Ed is too.  He surprised his sister with a late evening appearance.  Not often that other family members get a chance to come and watch her play.  So she is excited he is here.

Natalie's doubles match is scheduled for fourth on after ten....which is code for ....3-4ish.  Should be good dubs with "our team" winning.....not tooooo bias eh?   HAHAHAH....anyway....doubles is always fun to watch at this level.

Yesterday, Natalie visited an elementary school with a few other players.  She always enjoys and has great stories about the questions they ask, and yesterday was no different.  Natalie had fun playing tennis games with the children.

Just looked up the next two tourneys and Natalie is closer to being in the qualifier draws.  One would have never imagined that getting into these 10K, 25K and 50K tournaments would have been so tough this year.  And yet, no one can explain why the change.

I'm happy to say that Natalie is 9th out of the Dothan 50K, she was 50th out this time last week.  And she is 6th out of the Charlottesville's Boyd Tinsley's 50K.  She has a very good chance of getting into both, time will tell.

Time to stumble my way through getting ready for our day.  Soon it will be time to watch the lil yellow ball bounce....until then.....Love and Blessings!

Good Day from Pelham

Good Day from Pelham, Alabama.  Amazed by amount of mother nature's "pixie dust", I find myself giving advice to players on allergy medicines to load up on.  Running noses, blood shot itchy eyes, nasally voices and of course.....the coating of yellow "pixie dust" on everything.  Including the screens of cell phones.  Welcome to Alabama in the spring!

Natalie practiced early today.  In order free up her schedule to visit local schools with the hopes of inspiring some of our young folks.  She really enjoys the community outreach programs that tournaments provide.  I enjoy hearing the stories, whether it be a middle schooler trying to get a date.  Maybe an elementary school giving her an "old" wooden racket as a memento of her visit.  All these cherished memories and stories matter, not only to the ones getting the visit...but just as important to the visitor.   It is the journey of tennis that we are on.....both off the court and on the court! 

Tomorrow, Natalie will take to the match court again.  Playing doubles with Jen Ellie (USA).  This is the first time Natalie and Jen will team up.  They are tourney ranked 451.  The opponents are Angelina Gabeuva (RUS) and Katerine Kramparova (CZE).  They are tourney ranked 635.  The background.....Natalie has played dubs across the net from both the opponents at different times, not as a team.  Both matches were attitude eventful.....wink, wink!  Soooo tomorrow will be interesting!  Don't know the match time yet, for tomorrow's schedule has not be posted thus far.  

Got to go, a tissue is calling my name!  Until the lil yellow ball bounces......Love and Blessings....Sherry

ProAm at the Pelham Racquet Club

ProAm at the Pelham Racquet Club

Fun was had by all!

A grain of sand in her ocean of tennis!

After a great start to the match, winning the first set 6-2, quickly.  Then being up in the second set and serving 5-4 for the match, only to lose the set in a breaker.  And then losing the third without the opponent hitting one winner....our convo had to focus on what was going on.  Which lead to a discussion about making a doctor's appointment upon our return home.  Seems that when she was doubling over on the court, she was having severe cramping.  My guess....cysts....like her mom.  But we will have it check out as soon as possible to be certain as to what is going on.

So, that match suddenly was not so important.  As I like to say....a grain of sand in her ocean of tennis!

Doubles will begin Tuesday or Wednesday, sign up will close at noon tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a practice day, hopefully she will be feeling much better.

Good night....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Greetings from the great state of Alabama!

Greetings from the great state of Alabama!  Natalie will play first on tomorrow....code for 10 a.m..... at the Pelham Tennis Center.  Here opponent in the qualifier draw is Olga Iannchuk the 13th seed.  She is ranked in the mid 400s, after a junket to the Turkey 10Ks.  So, come on over to Alabama and cheer on Natalie!

Soon the lil yellow ball will bounce and I will report back to you....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Coaches, Upcoming Tournies

Howdy from a very rainy Sharpsburg!  Natalie is up and out to practice.  An early practice due to the weather, have to schedule the covered courts.  Natalie has been so blessed with many great tennis coaches.  Beth, Rick, Sean, Virgil, Brian, John and now Jason.  We are so lucky to have so many great coaches here in Georgia.  She has a special spot in her heart for each of them, and her college coaches.

As we regroup here at home, we also are gearing up for yet another road trip.  First stop,  a 25K at the Pelham Racquet Club (Pelham, Alabama).  Although the draws aren't quiet as crazy strong as the Innisbrook 25K in Florida, the main is unusually strong.  As of this moment, the  main draw rankings start at 102 through 231. And the qualifier draw rankings start at 234 through unranked.  Natalie is in the qualifier draw and will play dubs with Jen Ellie.

Second stop, a 50K at the Westgate Tennis Center in Dothan, Alabama.   The main draw is made up of players ranked from 98 through 232.  With the qualifier draw having players from 234 through 447.  Natalie is currently 15 out of the qualifier draw (translation:  not in the draw yet), and the sixth American out.  With much time between now and the start of this tourney, Natalie has a good chance of getting into the singles "Q" draw.  She will play dubs with Jen Ellie, they "should" get in.

If you want to see Natalie play, these two tourneys will be the closest  to home that she will play.  We will leave Saturday for Pelham.  She will play singles on Sunday, dubs on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Won't know match time until they release the schedule, the night before.  Dothan will began a week from Sunday.

Because I need to finish unpacking so that I may pack, must get off of this blog.  So long ...until the lil yellow bouncing ball commences on Sunday.....Love and Blessing.....Sherry!

Natalie's New Rankings

Congrats Natalie on your new career high rankings in both singles and doubles....great start to your pro career....


Singles:  564

Doubles:  188

A dream on hold until next year....

A dream on hold until next year........

The Goobers....

Natalie decided to show Sanaz a game to play at practice.  I guess helps with "hands" for dubs (I think, I don't know I could have made that up???)....anyway....they stuck with it and after many attempts....mastered it.  They were cracking me up so I decided to video them.....the goobers!

Video....Florida Memories

Finally have a good internet connection, so I will be catching you up......


Our Florida Memories.....

................Thanks for the Memories