Austin Tennis Academy News

June 18, 2007

Harlingen Champ Major Zone: Stockdale Super-Qualifies, ATA Competes Well in Several Divisions

The Harlingen Champ Major Zone was held recently and the Austin Tennis Academy players battled willing opponents and oppressive south Texas humidity. The players represented themselves and the Academy with class and character. Junior Development Director Brian Notis and four coaches attended the tournament.

Jonathon Stockdale captured his Super-Champ goal in Harlingen. A rising senior at Lake Travis High School, Jonathon played with exceptional focus in the semi-final qualifying match. Coming back from a 5-7 first set, Stockdale went on to defeat Esteban Rodriguez 6-1, 10-3 in the final two frames, cementing a Super-Champ qualification. Stockdale defeated Taylor Huckaby 6-1, 6-0 to take the title.

Dylan Ritter won two three set matches on his way to the12s back-draw title. Zane Ritter also competed well, he and Conor O’Meara played high level first round match, O’Meara claiming the duel in straight sets. Conor fell in the round of 16 to Nathan Koduru. Daniel Wang won two main draw matches, advancing to the semifinal round before falling to The Woodlands’ Sean Malone. Wang displayed an improving mental game in a narrow third set loss to Malone. Jake Berber kept opponent and doubles partner Matthew Chappel on the run in a great 7-6(3), 6-3 back-draw victory. Coach Notis watched as Jake "made a great adjustment to Chappel’s high loopy ball", selectively stepping in and hitting the ball on the rise. The nine-year old Berber lost a previous match to Chappel earlier in the year.

Benjamin Williamson captured his first 14s Champ victory, a 6-1, 6-3 win over Eugene Saitoh. Williamson will look to again stay calm and focused under pressure in next month’s Champ tournament. Meg Cahill fell in the first round, though she played with good sportsmanship through out the tournament. Zoe Kearl cruised to the final of the 16s draw before falling to tough minded Veronica Martinez 6-4, 7-5. Allie Carlisle nearly advanced to the 12s semifinal, losing in three sets. Greyson Brilliant played an aggressive top shot style, falling in the first round of the back-draw. Will Douglass advanced to the 12s back-draw final, including a quarterfinal come from behind 3 set win over Rodolfo Rios. Jessi Waite won a close 6-4, 6-4 second round match before falling to the very steady Jacqueline Bonilla in straight sets. Christine Schatz won her first round in straight sets before falling in the second round.

Congratulations to players and parents on a successful Harlingen Champ Major Zone.

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