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December 14, 2008

Ashley Claims 2nd Place in Final Spain Tournament

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to fill you in on how my match went today. I lost in the finals 4-6, 6-1, 5-7. It's a little heartbreaking because I had a match point serving at 5-3, 40-30 in the 3rd set. I spun my 1st serve in, but she hit a strong return back that put me on the defense and she hit a winner on the next shot. After that luck didn't seem to be on my side too much. The next 3 games from 5-4 on she hit 3 letcord winners. When a match gets that close in a third set those 3 points can be huge. When I was down 5-6 returning on the very first point I stopped the it after I hit my return back to check the ball mark from the serve because I thought it was out. So the umpire came out of the chair to check the mark and stared at it for a little while and ended up calling it good. I proceeded to have almost a 5min converstaion with him because he decided to call a let and replay the point, then my opponent started arguing with him so he changed his mind back to giving her the point. Therefore I ended up losing the point because I had stopped play even though I hit my return back in the court. Oh and don't let me leave this part out...I'm sure the ball was out! It was risky for me to do that and it proved a bit costly. I went down 0-40 in that game, got it back to 30-40, but then I was defeated. I certainly had a chance to win since I was up 3-0, 4-2, and 5-3 in the 3rd set. I didn't do anything different that I can recall at all of those points in the 3rd set, which could be the problem right there. But it was more of her stepping up her game and hurting me more. I have to give credit to her for being so gutsy in the end. I could go on and on about this match and break it down point by point and beat myself up about it but I'm not going to do that. Overall it was a good match and a battle on the clay. I only wish I could have won my match point, but I know there will be many more opportunities in the future and on much bigger stages.

This week was a test of my character after such a long trip, wanting to go home badly last week, being sick, slightly pulling my ab muscle at the beginning of the week, and whatever else. I think I handled this last week and tournament well and ended my year on a good note. I will be taking a lot of positive things away from this trip and I'm looking forward to imporving on some of the little things daily.

After my match we had a trophey presentation, took pictures, did a couple interviews(not in spanish thank goodness), and had a nice big luncheon at the club. My trophey is pretty cool and quite big, it's going to be very difficult to pack...I hope it comes apart somehow. The tournament director lives in Barcelona and ended up giving me a ride to my hotel tonight next to the airport. That was nice of him and very convienent for me since I didn't have to take the train and then a bus and then a shuttle to my hotel with all my luggage. I'm about to finish my packing and get some shut eye. My flight leaves Barcelona at 9:35am to JFK, JFK to Atlanta, and ATL to Austin. It's going to be a long travel day, but I am so excited and can't wait to get home!! Until next time...All the best,

Ashley Weinhold

Posted by Jack Newman at December 14, 2008 5:58 PM