Austin Tennis Academy News

March 16, 2009

Strong Results at SATA ZAT; Patterson and Howell Qualify

The ZAT players of Austin Tennis Academy traveled south to San Antonio to compete in the SATA ZAT March 7-8. Coach Shoenmakers and Coach Notis accompanied the team on the trip.

Jacqueline Patterson took the tournament championship in her girl’s 14s draw, qualifying her for competition in the champ division. Jacqueline fought through five straight matches, defeating A. Sainz in the final round 6-2, 6-4.

Also qualifying for the champ division, Daniel Howell earned three straight wins and a place in the final. In the semi’s he faced E. Market. They split the first two sets 2-6, 6-1, before Howell claimed the tie breaker in his qualifying match 11-9.

“Howell stormed back after a shaky first set in his semifinal match(qualifying match),” Coach Notis said.

Also competing in the boy’ 16s, Liam Leddy defeated J. VanHove 6-0, 6-1 to reach the round of 16. Jaxon Immler beat A. Beyer 6-1, 6-1 for his second win and a spot in the semi finals. James Seward fell in his first match before withdrawing due to illness.

“Liam showed he can compete with anyone at the ZAT level and is poised for a breakthrough result,” Coach Notis said.

In the girl’s 16s draw, Mikaela Pope responded from a first round defeat by earning two tough wins, each in match tie breakers, and a place in the consolation finals. She defeated C. Woodall 6-1, 5-7, 10-5. Adrienne Zwiener beat E. Efting 7-5, 6-2 to reach the consolation quarter finals.

In the boy’s 12s, Zach Knezevich fought for three third set victories, earning him a place in the final round. In the semi’s he defeated D. Barrett 1-6, 6-3, 10-7. Ankith Kandikonda beat P. Ampudia 7-6(7), 3-6, 10-5 to reach the quarter finals. Keaton Qualls defeated J. Alvarez 6-1, 6-2, also earning a place in the quarter finals. Tyler Wilke competed hard in two tough matches over the weekend.

Chad Howland reached the quarter finals of his boy’s 14s draw. He defeated Y. Yamada 6-3, 6-4 in the round of 16. Michael Holder rebounded from a first round loss, earning two tough wins and a place in the consolation semi finals. He defeated D. Ramos 6-2, 6-0 for his second win.

Julia Patterson defeated Kristina Yu, 8-3, in the first round of her girl’s 10s draw which earned her a spot in the quarter finals. In the boy’s 10s, Tyler Anson competed well in two tough matches over the weekend.

Ali Young responded from a first round loss by claiming the consolation championship of her girl’s 12s draw. She earned three straight wins, defeating C. Treneer 6-4, 6-1 in the final round.

“Ali played great after a disappointing first round loss to a strong opponent,” Coach Notis said.

Sixteen of ATA’s ZAT athletes competed in San Antonio, but only fourteen came home still as ZATs. The progress made by these junior tennis players is evident not only in their tournament results, but in the work ethic and preparation leading in to each months major zone. Look for these athletes to build on this success in their coming tournaments.

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