Great Experiences and People

Driving and driving all day long, but we are so thankful to finally have made it to Portland for the night.   Tonight, we are staying with Natalie and Sherry’s friend Jan, whom they met along the road last year at the 50K in Portland.  The last few days have been eventful to say the least.  We have been stuck in more traffic than anyone could imagine, and Sherry still has her drive back to San Francisco.  Even with all the stress from traffic we had some great times! 

To start our day out yesterday, Sherry and I decided to do The Grouse Grind… I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  We woke up and started The Grind around 9:45 a.m.  Let me tell you, it was a grind all right!  No one had prepared me for the mental challenge that it was, but I finished in one hour and a few minutes.  While waiting for Sherry to finish, I did a little shopping and sat out on the balcony to watch for her.  A couple of hours went by and being worried a missing persons report needed to be filed.  Sherry had joked that it was going to take her four hours, but no one believed her when she said it. While filling out the forms,  patrol searched the parking lot for our car to make sure she didn't leave, and then Sherry comes hiking up the trail! WHAT A RELIEF! In my mind I debated what time should someone contact Natalie and say her mother is missing, because we would have had no clue what to do in Canada.  After Sherry made it to the top, she told me that she had stopped to help a couple who was carrying children up the mountain and that it took a while.  Natalie got a good kick out of the story when she heard it, but we both made it to the top, so there was no reason to worry!

That evening we stopped at the Fire Station in Vancouver across from the tennis club where Natalie was playing.  Natalie’s brother Nic who is a firefighter in Georgia, sent us with a patch from his station to try and trade it with another station up here.  At the station, Natalie was very hesitant to get out of the car, she thought it was “awkward”, but the second one of the firefighters walked out to the bay she was out of the car talking away.  He led us inside and we met the rest of the crew, and they even ripped a patch off one of their uniforms to give Nic!  We went home with a station t-shirt for Nic and some stickers for the Natalie’s scrapbook. 

Jeff, myself, Mark, Natalie, Athena, and Dustin smiling out front of their “vintage” truck!

After stopping at the fire station we joined Natalie’s Vancouver host family Greg, Victoria, and Julia Smith for dinner.  We enjoyed great company and sat out on their deck for dinner and looked out over the Pacific Ocean.  It was great to get to know another family along the road who supports Natalie and her career so much.  Meeting families like the Smiths make it worth the travel.  Sitting and having great conversation, other than talking tennis, is always relieving on these trips. 

Natalie couldn’t do it without you guys and we all appreciate the effort you give to help her succeed, and we are grateful to have you apart of Team Pluskota.

Greg, Natalie, and Victoria taking a picture before saying goodbye.

Till next time...

Loree

The Wonderful Stephens Family

Knowing it has been awhile, but a lot has been happening this past week so keep following these next few days for all the updates!

For starters, Dad, you tell me you read these blogs but yet you are not a member of the blog! Come on sign in with your yahoo account to get updates on Natalie.  Follow the directions under the pictures of members to join ....OR....call me tomorrow and we will figure it out.  

But anyways, we have been having a great time on the road and we owe the Stephens family a huge, huge THANK YOU!  They took us in and dealt with our craziness and didn't complain once.  Sidney and Emma were so much fun to hangout with and get to know them.  Seriously an incredible family, and we appreciate all of their hospitality and support for Natalie.

I have attached a picture of Natalie with Sidney and Emma right before we all said our goodbyes and headed up to Canada. 

Thanks again Stephens Family you are part of Team Pluskota and we hope to see you soon!

Till next time...

Loree

Sidney is on the left with Natalie and Emma on the right.  

HOPE

MADE IT!  Yup, sure did arrive to Vancouver, Canada late last night.  What should have been a four hour ride from Portland, took ten due to traffic.  OOOo....and me getting lost for two hour in Vancouver, with no GPS due to being in another country and having to shut my phone off.  Needless to say not a good travel day.  That on top of the news that Natalie may have a stress fracture in her foot and Nana took a fall.....was waaayyyyy toooo much for me to handle.  But I MADE IT, may have had a few tears along the way.....but when I was lost and asked God for a sign.....not even 20 seconds later I came over a hill and there was a sign.   A sign for Hwy 1 .....Hope Road!   I couldn't believe it, I was like OK God, thanks for the sign.  But, not easy to have HOPE with sooo many things always going wrong and such bad luck, hard to keep your hopes up only to be disappointed right?  Well, with 7-10 minutes of my "sign" from God I was safely at the hotel.

That was how my three days of travel ended, now let's talk about how they began.  On Thursday, Loree and I made our way from Lexington to Indianapolis.  Along the way we call Air Tran to see if I could fly out on an earlier flight the next day and if there was a cost involved.  We were told there was only one other flight and it was at 6:45 A.M. and no charge to go standby on it.....and PLENTY of seats available.  Being able to arrive in San Fran to start my trek to Portland by noon verses midnight sounded good to me.  However, the "get to the airport two hours or more prior to the flight" was a hard pill to swallow.  

After a short while, we call Air Tran back to verify the info and seats available.  I mean after all if I was going to get up at 3:30-4:00 A.M......we needed to be sure I would have a seat.  Sure enough, same info.  So, said bye to Loree who headed back to Lexington.  

Unfortunately, I couldn't sleep that night and only got 2 1/2-3 hours when my eyes popped open at 3:15 A.M.  Got myself ready and to the lobby by four.  Arrived at the airport by 4:15 and by 4:20 was told....."ooooo sorry no seats available".  OMG.....are you kidding me???  So there I sat for 12 hours until the next flight which was my original flight, lugging my big bag that they wouldn't check until four hours before.  Horrible!

My flight left a few minutes early, with a lay over in Atlanta.  Which arrived five minutes before Natalie and Jackie's flight was taking off from there.  They flew out of Dayton and were going to Seattle.  Loree flew out of Cincy, lay over in Denver and onto Seattle.

After my three hour in ATL....and YES....I considered calling it quits and going home.  But I just couldn't allow myself to give up.  Boarded for SF, only to be seated in front of three, yes three children.  Two of which were already crying.  I was in a panic, I needed a few hours of sleep on that flight so that I could drive an hour to my hotel once I got to SF.  Long story short, I think my snoring was louder then those three sleeping angels....cuz I woke myself up at least six times.

Upon arriving I straight to Fox Rent a Car, which I would recommend....always cheap and good service.   A short line that ended up taking 2 hours due to four young stupid kids from Ireland that were trying to rent two cars.  Once Aton completed all the paperwork and wanted them to sign, they decided they didn't have enough money and he had to start allllll over.  Needless to say, the folks in the growing line were very upset and not happy.  Anyway...ATON was AWESOME!  I was on my way by 1:30 A.M.

But now, my mind was not clear.  I wasn't sleepy in the sense my eyes were closing.  I just couldn't focus.  So, I knew I needed to get to the hotel and get rest which is exactly what I did.  I climbed in bed fifteen minutes before the twenty-four hour mark of my day.  

Didn't sleep in as I had hoped and was back on the road by ten.  My nine hour ride ended up being around twelve due to my frequent stops for caffeine or to walk to clear the mind.  By the time I arrived at Jan's in Portland....I was exhausted and weary to say the least.  She and I had a great visit, topped with a HUGE glass of wine for me.  For I needed to get a good night's rest, since I don't drink very often I knew the wine would do the trick.  And that it did.

Since, Natalie and Loree were with Jackie, I didn't feel the need to rush to Vancouver on Sunday.  So, Jan and I spent a nice morning visiting and catching up.   As, I was readying to leave I got a message from Natalie that she was injured.  And being in a foreign country makes it complicated for treatment.  She saw the tourney doc who recommended she waits to see Powell at home.   So much for a peaceful day of rest and easy drive.  Loaded and go, is what I did.

Wasn't to far when I hit the first of many traffic jams along my four hour ride.  None of which seem to have a reason, buy many were miles long.  I thank Tim for his trucker's atlas and phone call for re routing me to Seattle.  Took four hours to drive a two hour route.....horrible.  I made my way thru Seattle and wanted to talk to my boys before leaving the country.  Called lil Ed, who is excited bout a new job....details to follow.  Then spoke to Nic, who let me know that Nana had a fall that morning.  Fell backwards into the bathtub.  I guess the shower curtain broke the fall, but she did bump her head.  She wasn't complaining about anything but fireman/EMT Nic was monitoring her.

Made it over the boarder in about an hour and half.  Sooo much for my plan to arrive earlier afternoon to miss the weekenders returning over the boarder to return to work.  Yep, I was right in the middle of all that mess.  Headed up 99 to Vancouver and was excited to be within ten miles.  Until that is, I got lost......THANK YOU GOD....FOR MY SIGN.....HOPE....I will promise....in my darkest of hours of bad luck to always hang on to HOPE!

Love and Blessing......Sherry!

We thought we would add the actual picture of the HOPE sign:

Air Tran/Southwest HORRIBLE

Unfortunately simple strokes cost us the match yesterday!  Just got rattled by the constant movement of one of the opponents and focused on it instead of the ball and good strokes.  After losing the first Nat and her partner took full control of the second, shutting down the opponent's game plan quickly.  Too bad that did carry over to the breaker, where too many pokes and bad slices cost us it and the match.  

Booked Nat's flight for today at midnight.   Good thing Loree and I had been researching flights all week and were ready.  Natalie flys out of Dayton to Seattle.  Loree flys out of Cicny to Seattle.

Loree dropped me at my hotel I'm Indy and headed back to Lexington, arriving in time to see the end of the match.  On our drive we called Air Tran ..TWICE...to verify what I needed to do to fly stand by on and earlier flight and to see if seats were available.  

Arrived at the airport this morning at 4:20 A.M.....the 2+ hours required before said flight.  Only to be told that TWO different Air Tran employees we talked to were wrong and there are no seats available.  That because I'm here 12 hours before the next flight...the one I'm ticketed on ...they can't check my bag yet. Screwed over by Air Tran/Southwest AGAIN!  Sooooo here I sit at the Indy airport, no breakfast, lugging all my crap around until they are willing to check my bag!  YAY ME!

So, don't think I will be driving to Seattle too earlier in the morning.  Hopefully Jackie can get Natalie and Loree to Vancouver so I can take my time and get there Sunday.  

Well say a few prayers for all of us please!  With a lil added for me to have a gear attitude no matter how horrible Air Tran/Southwest treats me!  Love and Blessings...Sherry!

Lexington Pro Am -- Video

We are having a great time here in Lexington between all the rain delays and humidity.  HA!  Anyways, Natalie really does enjoy this tournament because it is unlike any others.  This tournament offers both a professional women's and men's draw.  For the Pro Am,  Monday night, they put together a men's and women's tournament with the members.  Natalie had a great time playing against some of the better guys in the tournament.  Below, I have attached the link to see all the photos we took from that fun night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4VfOdhbJvc&feature=youtu.be

Till next time...

Loree

I Know It Sounds Crazy....Cuzzzzz ...IT IS!

After a rain delay, our team finally took court against the alternate team of Hibi/Brengle.  Our team went up the first set 5-4 after many "tight" points, but couldn't close out the set.  Sooooo at six all, a tie breaker was played.  Natalie's energy was high and it helped to carry us through a fast 7-1 breaker to win the fist set.  The opponents were not going away.  Hibi came up to serve first and reminder our team why she is a top ranked player.  Serving bombs she was!  The score went back and forth until Natalie and Jackie took control at 4 all and won the next two games and the match.

Tomorrow, our gals will play the team of Ahn/Christain.  They will be the second match on after 7 p.m. ....soooo 8:30 p.m.ISH.  There will be both live scoring and video live streaming, please follow the links in previous blogs.

After many hours on the computer and phone.  Finally figured out a game plan.  We have two free roundtrip tickets on Air Tran.  That we were planning on using to fly to Seattle for the Vancouver tourney.  When I tried to book the tickets, I was told AT doesn't fly there any more.  Not good, since money and budget are always an issue.  So, here is the game plan as of this moment in time....Jan get ready....we are coming your way....well at least I am.

OK...here goes.  Tomorrow, Loree will drive me to Indianapolis where I will spend the night and fly out of to San Francisco.  Loree will drive back to Lexington.  She will get a ride to Lexington Airport on Friday where she will catch a shuttle to Cincy airport to fly out that day.  I will drive from SF to Portland on Saturday, Seattle if Natalie is flying in earlier.  Or maybe not, just will depend on many factors.  Natalie and Jackie will continue to play and hopefully win this tourney and fly out when they are done.

So, Loree and I have looked up flights from 4 different cities  and 6 different airlines to 2 different cities.  Its been crazy.  But I think we have it pretty sorted.  Loree will take a shuttle to a casino where Rachel....one of Natalie's college friends will pick her up until I can get her on the way to Vancouver. 

I know it sounds crazy....cuzzz....IT IS!   Well, I still have packing to do...sooo gotta gooooo....Love and Blessing....Sherry

Fight For the Gold

Doubles Update:

Natalie and Jackie were scheduled to play against the number one seeds tomorrow afternoon.  But after they were done practicing Sherry and I received a text that the seeds have withdrawn from the tournament.  Because doubles match play had not begun the tournament was allowed to replace them with an alternate team, Mayo Hibi (JPN) and Madison Brengle (USA).  The match is scheduled for fourth on after 10, so around 3pm.  

Also, because our ladies are going to be playing on center court there will be live video streaming of their match online.  That video stream can be found on the attached link.

http://www.usta.com/Pro-Tennis/Pro-Circuit/2014_pro_circuit_womens_live_streaming/

We have discovered the Iphone application called Resultina.  You will get updates on tennis matches an you can add your favorite players and stay up to date.  The app only covers singles matches, but it is still a really good way to follow your favorite players.

Tune in tomorrow afternoon and cheer on our gal as her and Jackie fight for the gold!

Till next time...

Loree

Relaxed Days and Video from Evansville

We have had a few fun relaxed days here in Lexington.  We met up with Natalie and moved in with The Stephens Family.  They cooked us a great dinner and then we went back to the courts to watch some of the men's side of the tournament.  Natalie got the chance to watch former teammate Rhyne Williams split sets with his opponent.  We all enjoyed watching Eric Quigley play on the stadium court, unfortunately he lost.  It was a nice night to watch and enjoy tennis!

It has been great being in a home cause it has given Natalie the chance to recuperate and get healthy for doubles.  She is already sounding better and has a lot more energy than before.

Natalie and her partner Jackie Cako (USA), graduate of Arizona State University in 2013, will be playing Maria Sanchez (USA) and Michaella Krajicek (NED).  Of course... the number one seeds.  The times have not been posted but there will be live scoring and I have attached the link below.

http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/tournaments/women%27s-tournament/info.aspx?tournamentid=1100032272  

Also, I have put together a video of the match play photos from Evansville and have attached that link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld4CCi_6uuU&feature=youtu.be

Since we are not playing today, we are going to prepare for tomorrow and spend some time with our new family.  We are very thankful for their support and are always happy to add more members to Team Pluskota!

Till next time...

Loree

Time to Rest Up & Prepare for Doubles....Evansville's Finals Video

Tough morning yesterday.  Natalie woke up with bad congestion and a deep cough, and it only got worse as the day went on.  After scattered showers and lots of waiting, the girls half of the tournament was to be played indoors and boys outdoors.  There was no movement of air throughout this building and it retained any and all humidity from outside.  During Natalie's match she was coughing and wheezing.  She was hitting the ball well, but didn't have it in her to finish.  Natalie lost in two sets 6-2, 6-0.

Following the match, Natalie was still dizzy and seeing "stars"due to the lack of oxygen.  So, the trainer took a look at her and the doctor.  They suggested over the counter items for a few days and if that didn't help they would prescribe a zpack (sp?).  Worried, Sherry wasn't have it, and she went an different route and got a zpack prescription.  We made our way through Lexington to find a pharmacy for that much needed medicine.  We also grabbed a late lunch and headed back to the courts for another Pro Am event.  There were almost 30 pro's, both men and women, playing doubles matches with the members.  It was fun to see the playful competition after such an exhausting day.

Natalie is staying with her host family tonight, and they were kind enough to offer Sherry and me their home as well, so we are excited and thankful for their hospitality.  Even gave them some peach salsa to try!

Below I have attached the link to the video of pictures from the Evansville, IN Championship match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPyILrQYC9M&feature=youtu.be

Draws for the women's doubles are still not posted but will be tomorrow.  Time for Nat to rest up and prepare for that.

Till next time...

Loree

It Doesn't Stop for Us

Natalie and Brooke were told they would be on no earlier than three today and we all laughed like it was crazy they were making us wait till three in the afternoon to play the championship.  Little did we know that one of the semi final match would take close to four hours to finish, which seriously meant our girls wouldn't play till three.  Natalie and Brooke started the match against Catherine Harrison (USA) and Mary Weatherholt (USA) with great focus and determination.  The girls battled it out from the baseline and the net for the first set and Natalie and Brooke came out on top with a score of 6-4.  With the second set underway things became a little rocky.  With unforced errors and bad line calls, things were not looking good for the second set.  Natalie and Brooke lost the second set 3-6, but came back to battle for the tie breaker.  Jumping ahead 8-3 in the 10 point tie breaker the girls lost 4 points in a row, and Harrison and Weatherholt eventually tied the score at 9 all.  Natalie and Brooke regained full composure to win the tie breaker at 11-9.  Talk about a nail biter!! 

All-in-all this was a great tournament for Natalie and Brooke.  They played some outstanding doubles and even became the hometown favorites.  After the match it was fun to see the excitement on the ball kids faces to receive Natalie and Brooke's autographs, but there wasn't much time to waste.  After the win Natalie, Sherry, and I jumped in the car and drove to Lexington, Kentucky.

Natalie is scheduled to play her singles match third on after 10, which is code for 1 (Eastern Time), and she will playing good friend, Jennifer Elie (USA).  The draws for doubles will be posted on Monday and that competition will begin Tuesday or Wednesday.  From one tournament to the next it doesn't stop for us!

Here is a sneak preview of pics.....the rest of them will be posted soon.  For our beds are calling!

THE CHAMPIONS!  NATALIE AND BROOKE!

Till next time...

Loree

Penalty of the Monetary Type....Championship toooooooo

Good Morning from a relatively cool Evansville, Indiana.  We can get used to this high 70s low 80s weather.  We are in bit of a dilemma today.  The registration for the next tourney in Lexington is today between 3-6 p.m.  Because it is a 50K tourney, Natalie can "call in" to register.  However, a player can not be in two tourneys in the same week.  She has to be "out" of this tourney today, or she will suffer penalty of the monetary type, which of course we can't afford.

It is really a shame that due to rules....a player has to chose between staying at a tourney and playing in the final.  And /or losing on purpose to go onto the next tourney.  Many players purposefully "tank" or lose a match so that they can move onto the next tourney without penalty.  When Natalie and I first hit the road we discussed "tanking" in length and continue to do so ....that she would NEVER "tank" a match.  We would just take the penalty....and hopefully the championship trophy.   I mean isn't that what we are here for?

So today....we....and you....please.....pray for NO RAIN!  So, this finals match can be played today.  Then we can leave to Lexington without penalty and with the championship!  YES...again I'm bias....its OK...it's my blog!

We ran out of GA peaches, the 1/2 case we brought with us.  We are suffering, so decided we would buy some from the stand across the street from our hotel.  BIG MISTAKE!  Although they were OK, def not the sweet GA peach we have grown to love.  We continue to have withdrawals that are only complicated by the fact that the boys are out at our stand selling the ones we are lusting for!

Well, hope y'all have been enjoying Loree's blogs, she is working hard and we appreciate her and her efforts.  She is proving to be a great workout partner for me and I need and love it!  Although both of our calves are screaming at us today....I guess a great thing!

Time to pack up the room and get ready to check out and head to the Doubles Championship.  Until we cross the borders....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Not All Tennis

Natalie and Brooke hit the courts today to face off against Trelsie Sadler and Caitlin Whoriskey.  This was Natalie's opportunity to play doubles against former teammate Caitlin Whoriskey.   Natalie and her played one another on the singles court for the first time earlier in the year and Natalie won in a three set match.  Natalie took advantage of this opportunity as well, as her and Brooke won the match in a tie breaker in lieu of a third set.  The first set started off a little shaky for our girls as they lost 6-4 after battling back and forth for the lead.  Natalie and Brooke took control in the second set with control of the net and down the line shots to win 6-1.  The ladies continued this kind of game into the tie breaker and came out on top with a score of 10-6.  Natalie and Brooke ended happy and excited to win such a mentally difficult match.  So excited, that Natalie ran to the ice cream truck in the parking lot and bought herself a little treat.

Our ladies will face off their opponents, Catherine Harrison (USA) and Mary Weatherholt (USA), tomorrow no earlier than 3 p.m. for the FINALS!!!

Last night we had the opportunity to watch Natalie and Nick Mueller, head Women's Tennis coach at the University of Evansville, give instruction on doubles strategy to the members.  Also this morning Natalie ran the ladies clinic and specifically worked on backhands and drills.  Sherry and I took a lot of good photos and created a video with them.  Below we have attached the link to view them.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KI_YfbXUgg

It hasn't been all tennis and more tennis.  We have had some pretty hilarious moments.  One, Natalie and I met a baby pig and her name was Penelope.  Two, we were at Logan's Steakhouse last night and Sherry decided to blow the straw wrapper at Natalie, except she missed and hit the guy in the booth behind us.  He slowly felt his head and turned around and it was priceless.

Below we have attached some good pictures from today's match, please enjoy!

Till next time...

Loree

 Natalie and Brooke talk strategy before the match.

 

Me and Penelope pose for our picture during her nap time.

Another Great Win

Another great day for tennis here in Evansville, Indiana.  Natalie and Brooke pulled out another great win defeating Ingrid Neel and Anastasia Nefedova 6-1, 6-3.

By the looks of the opponents, they were very intimidated by Natalie and Brooke, and our ladies used it to their advantage.  Our team took complete control of the match both with their ground strokes and their volleys.  The high level of tennis that Natalie and Brooke were playing was untouchable.  Altogether, it was a great doubles match to watch and the ladies looked like they were having fun.

After the match Natalie got the chance to meet and catch up with her college friend's grandmother, Sharon, who stopped by to watch her play.  We appreciated Sharon taking the time out of her day coming to watch Natalie and stopping by and introducing herself to us.

Tonight, Natalie will be attending a doubles clinic with the other professionals and they will have the opportunity to teach and explain doubles strategy to the club members here in Evansville.  Should be a lot of fun!

Tomorrow Natalie and Brooke will be third on after 10, so code for 1ish, and will be facing off against Trelsie Sadler (USA) and Caitlin Whoriskey (USA) in the semi-final match.  Some of you may remember that Whoriskey was Nat's dubs partner in college.

Till next time...

Loree

Nefedova and Neel, respectively, try to make a plan to stop Natalie and Brooke's strength. 

Natalie stays focused during warm up.

Natalie and Brooke talk before the match on how they are going to win.

Brooke remains focused at the net.

Brooke, Sharon, and Natalie pose for a post win picture.

Pro Am Fun and Games

Schedules are out!  Natalie and Brooke are scheduled third on after nine, so around 1p.m. Central Time.  The ladies will be playing on the feature court and can be followed online for live scoring or radio tennis.

Live Scoring: http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/tournaments/women's-tournament/info.aspx?tournamentid=1100032269

Radio Tennis:  http://radiotennis.com/

Tonight we had a great night at the Pro Am.  It was hosted at a indoor facility with 6 great courts.  With about 70 in attendance, a lot of players came out to hit with members here in Evansville, and it looks like they had a blast!

Each professional player was teamed up with a member for a doubles match.  Every so often the players would switch members and play against other teams.  All fun and games!  Check out the slideshow of pictures that Sherry took tonight and I put to music on the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQD6Q7VLNE0&feature=youtu.be

Till next time...

Loree

Nat and Brooke Perservered

Today was been a great day!  When we woke up, Sherry and I went to the track and did a little cardio.  We each completed two miles and a lot of stairs, but it was a great way to start the day.  After the great workout we caught up with Natalie at the courts and waited for her to take the court.

She and Brooke ended up going on a little before 2pm.  Starting the match off a little shaky with some double faults, they continued to fight the whole first set.   After an hour or so of holding their serves but losing the breaks, Natalie and Brooke started a tie breaker to 7 for the first set.   At one point our girls were down 6-4 but persevered to win 9-7 for the set.

Starting the second set strong, Natalie and Brooke didn't falter a game and won the second set 6-0.  Incredible mental strength was shown by Natalie and Brooke because their opponents played well and had some unmatchable shots, but our girls came off the court smiling and enthusiastic about this great win.

Schedules for tomorrow have not been released, but Natalie and Brooke will be playing Ingrid Neel (USA) and A. Nefedova (RUS), who were given the wild card into the tournament.

As for tonight, Natalie will be attending the tournament's Pro Am, where she will be matched up with a member of the club and will play a little round robin doubles with other pros and members.  Should be a lot of fun to watch!!

Big thanks to all of our new fans from today's match, and thanks to Chris who is now part of the Team Pluskota Fan Club.  Natalie really appreciated your encouraging support while she was on court!

Our next stop on this tour is Lexington, KY.  Natalie will play doubles with Jackie Cako.  As for singles, last week Natalie was 75 on the alternate list, but has moved up to number 18 as of today.  So we are keeping our fingers crossed she keeps making her way up that list.

Till next time...

Loree

Out of My System! Video of a Fun Game!

Well, def not happy with what happened on the singles court today.  Natalie won the first set fairly easily.  Went up in the second 4-1 and then.....the bottom fell out of her game plan.  Didn't help that the chair umpire couldn't see the serve on either side of the net.  So, she wasn't prepared to return some of the balls that were 6 inches or more out....and no call from the chair.  Needless to say the frustration level went up and the games went by.  She lost the second 4-6.  Then went up 3-0 in the third only to be rattled again with 2 horrible non calls....and there went the third set.  Unfortunate indeed!  Such a shame that a horrible chair umpire can affect the outcome of a match.  Pathetic!

Ok, now that I have that out of my system ....onto the fun stuff.  The link below will take you to a video of Natalie, Jen, Emily and Asia playing a game.  It depicts what they sometimes do to occupy their time during a rain delay at a tourney.  Please enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrIR3sDILBo&feature=youtu.be

Tough Day, but Clearing Our Heads

Woke up this morning and made our way to the court in this chilly weather.  Yes chilly!  It was 70 degrees all afternoon.  Great day for some tennis.

Natalie went on the court sometime after 10am, and started the match off real strong.  Despite the struggles from the opponent and terrible chair umpire, Natalie won the first set 6-2.  Natalie had the chance to close the match when she was up 4-1 in the second set.  But let me tell you, this chair umpire was missing calls, that should have been in our favor.  When Natalie questioned him, his response was that he just couldn't see them.  Natalie ended up losing the second set 4-6.  Started the third and got up 3-0, but this young lady picked up her game and barely missed a shot.  Natalie ended up losing 3-6 in the third set.  Natalie played hard and had a chance to win, but could not over come the three opponents on the court (herself, her opponent, and the chair umpire).

Tough day, but we are clearing our heads and preparing for tomorrows doubles matches.  Natalie and her partner Brooke Austin are fourth on after 9...which of course is 3:30ish.  They will be playing Madeleine Kobelt (USA) and Ayaka Okuno (JPN) who are the two seeds.  Natalie and Brooke aren't seeded because Brooke doesn't have a doubles ranking.

Time to eat some gummy worms and figure out the plan for the rest of the day.

Till next time...

Loree

Time to Rest for Tomorrow

The days are beginning to run together and we are still in the first week!

We made our way to the club this afternoon after a morning full of sleeping in and Netflix!  We had a nice chance to catch up with some old tennis friends and see a little tennis action.  Natalie had a nice long and hot practice with a few players this afternoon while Sherry and I wandered around Evansville.

At dinner we had too much fun because our waiter introduced himself as Jake, and Sherry died laughing because she was thinking of the Jake from State Farm Commercial.  She literally couldn't hold it together and Nat ordered for her.  TOO FUNNY! We were all laughing.  We are going to have a nice relaxing night tonight with, of course, more Netflix because match play starts tomorrow.

Brackets are posted for both singles and doubles draws and can be found online.
Link for singles and doubles:  http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/tournaments/women's-tournament/info.aspx?tournamentid=1100029379

Live scoring can also be found on that same link above, and there will live radio updates online at http://www.radiotennis.com/

Natalie is scheduled second on after nine, which of course is code for 11ish (Central Time) for her singles match against Marie Norris (USA).  Doubles will begin on Wednesday.  Nat will be playing with Brooke Austin, recruit for the University of Florida, and they will be facing the number two seed team of Kobelt and Okund.

Time to rest up for tomorrow- aka Natalie just bought a lot of candy and its time to watch Netflix!

Till next time...

Loree

A Great Addition, Blog Membership, Jasmine's Special Message

Ello from Evansville, Indiana!  Must welcome Loree...or is it ReeRee or LoLo....we haven't fondly nick named here yet....still trying!  Our 25th blog member.  She has been a great addition to Team Pluskota.  Although, I hope the time she has had at the pool the last two days doesn't fool her into thinking that is how life on the road is everyday.

Speaking bout blog members....don't forget to become one.  It is very eash, you DON'T have to have a Google email.  Although the automatic logo on our blog leads you to believe you do.  Just click on the "sign in" toggle located under the pictures of the members of our blog.  Come on and join our blog!

Here is a special message from our friend Jasmine:

Journey has begun!

The journey has begun! We picked up Natalie last night in Nashville and made our way to Evansville, Indiana today.

Sherry, Natalie, and I got to the hotel and got a nice little group workout session in before Natalie went to the courts to practice!  While she was out sweating her butt off on the courts, Sherry and I made our way to the pool for a little sun and relaxation.  Had some great company out by the pool, we got started talking to a young lady who asked about Natalie and she asked Sherry if Natalie had ever played in the "Window Tennis Tournament- ya know the one Serena is always in." Sherry's reply was "Do you mean Wimbledon?" Hahaha too funny! This poor girl had no clue but was really nice!

After Natalie got back, we drove to this nice Japaneses Hibachi grill for dinner.  DELICIOUS!

Natalie will practice again tomorrow and we will have to find something fun to do and try to stay cool!  Brackets will also come out later tomorrow, lets hope Natalie gets a good draw for Tuesday!
Natalie will be playing doubles with Brooke, who will be attending University of Florida in the fall. 

The days are not super hectic yet, but we can be thankful because these days are only going to seem longer the more we are on the road!

I, personally, had a great new experience. I tried PEACH SALSA! I admit, I was hesitant to what it would taste like, but it was so good. The taste is so different than you would expect  and trust me, it is wonderful! Everyone should try thi

Part of This Road to Success

My name is Loree Hazelrigg and I am so excited to be working with the Pluskota Tennis Team this summer.  I am a current Division II tennis player at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri.  And I have been given a grant to create my own internship and I chose to be the newest member to the Pluskota Team.  Starting my senior year in August, I will graduate with a dual degree in Communications and Spanish with a Business minor. My hopes are to continue school in the field of Sports Management or International Sports Management. 

So, I met Natalie and Sherry three years ago when they came to my home town of Saint Joseph, Missouri for a tournament.   From day one I knew that this family was special and working with them would be a dream come true for me.  So, I proposed the idea to Natalie and Sherry and they loved it, which was followed by the school's excitement for me. 

July 9th I flew into Atlanta to begin this once in a lifetime opportunity!  Since then it has been hectic!! Sherry and I have created a profile sheet for Natalie's player bio, organized posters, worked on car rentals and hotel reservations, and all the other things you have to do before you go on a 8 week road trip!! 

I am very excited and thankful for this opportunity to travel to cities and places I have never been and to spend time with great people.  This is going to be great exposure to what the real life sports management is like and will be a great fun!  I am very thankful that William Jewell, Natalie, and Sherry have let me join and become part of this road to success.  

Sherry took this and ask me to add it to my blog.....here I am....HELLO!

They Had a Blast!

Good Evening!  Natalie and Keri's doubles run came to an end this evening with a 10-7 loss in the breaker.  From what I've been told the opponents played really well.  So, Natalie will be flying to Nashville on Saturday where we (me and Loree) will pick her up.  And we will make our way to Evansville, Indiana on Sunday.

Tomorrow, two of Nat's very dear friends will make the trek to see her in Sacramento.  Carly and Steve will spend most of the day with her.  Carly played high school basketball with Natalie, a great friend indeed.  I'm excited for Nat to see these two pals, for they will have lots of fun I'm sure.

This morning Natalie was asked to participate in the adult ProAm.  She was excited to be invited to a special group of ladies per their request.  They had a blast which is evident in the pictures below.  Hopefully, I can get all their names soon, until then the pics will have to do...sorry!  Just a lil busy around here.

I can hear the Charles Angels song....can't you???   Love it!

Gold River Kid's Clinc.....pics

Here are some pictures from the kid's clinic:

Popsicle Break

Tomorrow's doubles match will be second on after one....which of is code for 3ish Cali time.....6ish GA time.  Pluskota/Wong will play fellow Americans Harkins/Porter, who are tourney ranked 1035.  Our team is the second seeded team.  Porter is going to play for Florida in the fall, a very nice young lady.  And Harkins was up in the rankings until she got injured, so she is battling her way back into the mix.  Should be really good doubles between four lovely ladies, our team prevailing of course.....hahahaha...sorry my blog...I can be bias! 

Natalie was able to help out with the kids clinic this evening.  She said one of the highlights of the clinic came at the half way point of time.  A Popsicle break....hahahaha.....the little things!  Any who....she always enjoys helping with the clinics and tonight was no different.

Our intern Loree, arrived safe and sound today.  Already had her working today....I think I can get used to her being around.  Besides being an awesome young lady and a great example of a friend to Natalie....she's just a fun gal!  I'm thinking we should make cookies for the road tomorrow, what do you think?  

Time to close this blog and my eyes....so until tomorrow...Love and Blessings....Sherry!

ReeRee

Hello from the Hot South!  No surprise right??  Yesterday, we saw Natalie's run in the singles draw come to an end with a lost to Lao 2-6, 4-6.  From what I've been told the score doesn't represent how close the match was.  Natalie added that she was just a half step off, I'm sure due to it being her forth match in a row.  Something she hasn't done in a while, and hopefully will do more often.  It is really tough to have to play a qualifying draw and feed into the main.  Why chasing points and getting your ranking up is so important.  Hopefully, the sun and moon will align soon!  She's working so hard!

Today, will be a practice day for Natalie won't play doubles until tomorrow.  Seems like she always gets the short end of the straw.  Would have been nice to have yesterday off and then play singles today since she was playing her fourth match and it was the opponents first.     Poor scheduling to say the least!

Going to the airport shortly to pick up Loree.  She will be on the road with us for the next month or so, as our intern.  Must say that it has been a challenge to include a third person in our plans.  As if it isn't hard enough to get housing for two of us now there is three.

We met Loree at a tourney in Missouri three years ago.  She, her sister Conner and their parents have become good friends.  Hope this next month doesn't rude that, for life on the road of tennis is NOT easy.  The entire Pluskota clan is exciting for her arrival.  But I'm sure Natalie is the most excited, to have a friend with her on the road will be a nice change.

ReeRee (Loree) and I will head to Nashville on Saturday.  Where we will pick Natalie up from the airport and head to Evansville on Sunday.  There Nat will play a 10K, which I'm very happy to say she is in the main draw of singles.  She an Brooke Austin (Floriday recruit) will play doubles.  You may remember Brooke's name, for she stayed with us in Yakima last year.

Many thanks to Natalie's house parents in Sacramento, Noel and Mike.  We really appreciate them taking such great care of Nat!  Also a shout out to Juliet for making the housing arrangements.  For Natalie couldn't be doing what she is doing without all of you helping her...thank you, thank you!

Time to get off this blog and busy around the house....so until next time...Love and Blessings....Sherry!

All Kinds of News from Cali....Good News....

Thought that now that I'm on a computer, I would recap the Gold River 50K Tourney thus far.  Natalie began in the qualifier draw, needing to win three matches to get into the main draw.  Our gal beat fellow American Casie Robinson 6-3, 6-4.  Facing Alex Cercone another American, in the second round didn't pose a problem for Nat took that match 6-3, 6-0.  Moving into the third round Natalie met up with her first seeded opponent, ChingWin HSU.  Nat took out the second seed 6-3, 7-6(4).  Having won the three matches gained Natalie a berth into the main draw.

The second seeded team of Pluskota and Wong took on Bhargava/Murisan (USA).  Our team came out firing in the first set taking it 6-1.  However, the set was closer then the score represents, for our gals were able to win three deuce games.  The second set was a lil tighter in score but Pluskota/Won won it 6-4.  My understanding of the second set....the opponents turned up the dial but we seem to have the answers and then some.   Onto the quarter finals on Wednesday.  Natalie and Kari will face the unseeded team of Hawkins/Porter (USA).  Should be a good match of doubles among four great gals and players.

Natalie will play third on after twelve tomorrow, which of course is 4ish Cali time....1ish Georgia time. Again, she will play Lao.  I can't remember if they have face each other on the singles court in the past, but they have on the doubles court.  Will be a grindfest, for Lao has a very affective lob game.  This will be Nat's fourth match and Lao's first.

Just need to mention, it is such a thrill when I, Natalie or any Pluskota gets an email, text message or phone call from any of you.  This week Jan Moran, has been watching the live scores and emailing some sweet messages.  Thank you Jan, hope to see you in a couple of weeks!  XOXO  Nice to know we are not alone and you are finding our blog useful.

Here's a picture from today's match, thanks to the folks at the Gold River Tennis Club:

Live Video Feed for Dubs....here is link....

Good Day from the Gulf Shores of Florida!  Boy I love the Gulf!  Anyway, Natalie played a solid match today and won 6-3, 7-6.  She means she will advance to the Main Draw, where she will play fellow American Lao from USC.  A nice gal, and should be a nice match of good tennis.  This next match will be Natalie's fourth and Lao's first.

Natalie and Kari will begin doubles shortly....just found out there is live video feed...here is the link:

http://www.usta.com/Pro-Tennis/Pro-Circuit/2014_pro_circuit_womens_live_streaming/

"When" She Wins....

Good Morning!  Spoke to Natalie after the match yesterday.  But was to busy with Nana road tripping to blog, sorry!  Anyway,  Nat played Cercone, won 6-3, 6-1.  Our gal was proud of the way she played which should help boost the confidence.  Today, she will play. Gal from Taipei, that we do not know.  "When" she wins.....she will feed into the main draw.  So fingers crossed for another good win today.  As for me and Nana we will enjoy tonight's sunset on the beach and dinner with my son Ed.  Until then....Love and Blessings... Sherry!

Cali Update

Good Evening from a very comfy Georgia!  Natalie played Casey Robinson today, a fellow American. Happy to report she had a solid effort....she said it was ugly....but she won.  I'm kinda hopin it was ugly and she worked her way through it mentally.  A great strive forward.  Anyway, she won 6-3, 6-3.  Tomorrow she will play second on after twelve...code for....2ish Cali time.  Her opponent is Alex Cercone, who played at Florida.  This former gator teamed up with Natalie the summer of 2011 to win their first pro doubles final.  A 10K here in Atlanta.  Should be a great match of tennis between two friends.

Here is a picture from today's match, that was on the Gold River Tennis Club's FB page:

Nat's in Sacramento

Happy 4th of July!  Hope you have been enjoying the day!  As for us.....well Natalie flew to Sacramento yesterday.  Practice today and is awaiting the release of the draw.  She is excited to see Juliet, Carla and the entire Sacramento gang again.  She loved all of them and the tourney last year.  This is the first of three 50K touneys with US Open wild card implications.  The American player that earns the most main draw points in two of the three tourneys gets the wild card.  Natalie will have to work her way through the qualifier into the main and of course win matches in the main to be in the running.

But for now, we will await the release of the the draw.  Here is the link to the draws and for future reference the live scoring:

http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/tournaments/women's-tournament/info.aspx?tournamentid=1100032268

Natalie will play doubles with Kari Wong.  They have not teamed up in the past, however they should form a very solid team.  Should be very good doubles to watch.  Kari played at Clemson, so she and net have played across the net from one another.  In juniors, college and pro tennis.

Well, been a long day at the peach stand, with day three tomorrow...so time to rest.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

God Bless America!

Happy Birthday America!  

God Bless America!