Austin Tennis Academy News

February 9, 2007

Shotgun Success for ATA in SuperChamp, Champ and ZAT Weekend

The Austin Tennis Academy seized great opportunities in several tournaments across Texas over the weekend. Jill Saunders snared the SuperChamp A draw title in Corpus while Josh Hagar earned finalist honors in Laredo’s 14s B draw. As important as the predictable charges from Saunders and Hagar, ATA’s competitors won hard-fought matches in over 15 draws state-wide, signs of across the board winter improvement and a big start to the spring season.

Jill Saunders relied on a big forehand to win the Corpus Christi SC Major Zone. Refusing to yield to an off-hand shoulder injury, Jill overcame (4) seed Elizabeth Begley in a semifinal battle: 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-3. Saunders dismissed Dallasite Abby Stainback, 6-2,6-3 in the final. After a challenging on-court 2006, the title is a great momentum boost for the heavy-hitting Saunders, highlighting several months of hard work with Coach Cristina Moros.

Sectionally dominant and nationally ranked, Josh Hagar and Jeffrey Offerdahl held momentum through out 2006. Now, Josh and Jeffrey are moving into bigger ponds with bigger fish, as Josh shifts to 14s and Jeffrey to 16s. Over the weekend each competed in their new age divisions. Though neither won a draw, both competed well. Jeffrey made the backdraw semifinals in Corpus, while Josh was a B draw finalist in Laredo. Jeffrey and Josh are making important strides in acclimating to the increased power and speed at the next levels, key steps in their transitions.

The importance of playing a ‘top shot’ power game has not been an issue for 6'3" Ethan Horn. In the 18s SC at Corpus, Horn turned in a quarterfinal showing, coming back from down a set twice to advance. Ethan eventually fell to (5) seed Russell Brockett 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. Ethan went through 6 racquets in this match, 4 of his own and 2 of his doubles partner to complete the match.

Cameron Relic won the SuperChamp 16s B consolation draw in Corpus Christi. Taking the final 6-2, 6-2, Cameron’s play improved with each match. Cameron fell in his first match to Devan Maharaj 6-3, 6-3.

As ATA saw SuperChamp victories and hard-fought losses, another group of competitors sought to qualify for the top Texas division. Eliot Blatt nearly ran the table unseeded as the 14s finalist in the CMZ Waco. Greyson Brilliant won four matches on his way to the CB14s consolation finals. ATA won many victories in Chanps Girls 16s division, Claire Cahill earning finalist honors in her first Champ Girls tournament. Claire recently moved to Champ 16s from SC14s and is itching to get back into Supers. Two other hungry Champ 16s, Kate Cahill produced a semifinal result, while Jessie Waite made the quarters.

In ZAT action, 3 Academy juniors qualified to Champ 12s: Casey Shaw, Sled Allen and Ian Kocher dominated their draws and move to the next level. On the G12 side, Meg Cahill made it a trifecta being the third Cahill sister to reach a main draw semifinals.

And at the Bryan-College Station Grand Prix Will Douglass took the title, overcoming a close 9-8(7-4) semi-final struggle, winning 8-3 in the final.

The shotgun pattern of Austin Tennis Academy’s success this weekend is a solid result heading into the meat of the Texas and National tournament season. In many draws and divisions of age and gender, Austin Tennis Academy competitors showed their pursuit of excellence. Congratulations to competitors and families--keep moving forward!

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