Our ladies did it, they won their doubles match today and punched their ticket to the semi finals of this 100K tournament. Beating fellow Americans Will/Abaza in two straight sets. We started out a little sluggish and went down 2-1. But soon found our game and methodically worked through each game and eventually the match. Both teams battled from both the baseline and at the net. However, Natalie and Nicole's big service games definitely made the difference. Rockstar's (Abaza, my nickname for her) "sneak attack poaching" was deadly many a times. Darn her for having a great dad for a coach.
Our team battled back and won the first set 6-3. Going up in the second set 5-2 suddenly became exciting when Abaza/Will battled back to make it 5 all. But it was our team that decided it was time to end the match and took the next two games, with Natalie serving us into the next round, semi finals.
Tomorrow, Natalie and Nicole will play on center court at 6 p.m. The opponents are Tateshvili/Watson, who are seeded fourth and tourney ranked 225. The match will be carried via live video feed....here is the link:
http://www.usta.com/Pro-Tennis/Pro-Circuit/usta_pro_circuit_live_streaming/
We often say that the journey is what keeps us going. And that we have to enjoy the little things that make it so special. Meeting new people is one of those little things. The town of Midland embraces the Dow Corning Tennis Classic in grand style. The stands are always full of fans and it is fantastic. Here is a picture of some of Natalie's fans here in Midland, she really appreciates them coming to watch her play:
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| Back Row...left to right.....Amy, Natalie, Ken, Nicole (Nat's partner) , Cindy, Darryl (our host dad) Front Row....left to right.....Claire and Anna (Amy's daughters) |
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| Left to Right.....Savannah and Claire |
We have been Blessed to have met some wonderful people here in Midland, Michigan. Many of which have been coming to watch Natalie play. One of which gave both of us a very unexpected gift. It is not unusual for Natalie to receive a gift or gifts from people involved with a tourney. However, for this very special person to include me .....totally unexpected. I can say that it totally made both of our week and Valentines Day very special. For neither of us have a pearl bracelet, and they are beautiful....soo THANK YOU special friend! Here is a picture:
Counting my Blessings tonight and they are plentiful and I thank God for all of them. May you do the same! Don't forget to tune in to the match tomorrow night....until the lil yellow ball begins to bounce....Love and Blessings....Sherry!
