Well, well, well boys and girls…the first ITA Regionals Weekend is in the books! The ITA Southwest region brought out some great tennis as well as some incredible tweeting (thank you to UT-Tyler, Austin College and TLU especially).
So I am kinda feeling this “Thumbs-Up” and “Thumbs-Down” thing today so let’s go with that.
“Thumbs-Up” –
Her Majesty Sofia “La Reina” Vega – A Queen must always defend her title (throne) when it comes under attack…and that is exactly what Sofia did. Tearing through the draw before defeating Trinity’s Liza Southwick in the finals in a tough three-setter. Fun Fact: I had never seen Sofia play until the Texas Lutheran Tennis Twitter account posted some footage……and DAMN girl!! You have the feet of Usain Bolt! Readers: She is wicked fast and has to be running a sub 6 minute mile…….Okay ,back to the tennis, “La Reina” defends her throne, ahem, title with class as always. Well done, Sofia. All-American status!! See you in SC!
Trinity Texas Tigers – So as I am sure you readers know, I was skeptical of Trin-Trin’s prowess before the start of the Fall Season. But all I can say is: WOOHOO! Liza is healthy and these girls came to PLAY at ITA’s this weekend. Not sure if it was because they were the hosts of such a great event or what but the Lady Tigers brought it. Liza Southwick being the Runner Up and one-half of the Doubles Champions (along with First-Year Marie Lutz who was a Singles Semi-finalist in her own right) and Junior Gabrielle Roe who fell to Liza in the “A” Flight Semifinals. Trin-Trin also won the B Flight with Caroline White and saw First-Years Cheyenne Duncan and Blaire Porter make the “A” Doubles Semifinals. Well done, Ladies.
UT-Tyler Tweeting – Ok guys, seeing as the ITA draw is STILL!!! not posted, I had to rely on Twitter all weekend. Thank you to UT-Tyler Tennis and UT-Tyler Athletics for being a great presence throughout the weekend.
That awkward Thumb position in between “Up” and “Down” –
UT-Tyler Tennis – Unfortunately, being good at updating Twitter does not reflect the results (though, I wish it did). Tyler did a good job in the “A” Doubles by reaching the finals (Amy Friesenhahn and Tori Musngi) as well as having one team in the Semifinals (Sarah Moses and Jennifer Payne) and did well-ish in Singles with the only player reaching the Quarters was Musngi (lost to La Reina). Otherwise, most Patriot players kind of flopped via losing to a lower-ranked player.
Schreiner – Welcome to the blog Schreiner tennis! I decided to give you ladies a quick shout-out because of the efforts this weekend. Abby Knedik (“C” Flight champ and Alex Wheeler (“A” flight Quarterfinalist), well done!
Thumbs “Down” –
UT-Dallas – My main reasoning for giving the Comets a Thumbs “Down” is simply because I expected a bit more of them this year. Especially, after having a 2013 ITA Southwest Doubles Champion (and NCAA Participant in the last two seasons) in Casey Johnson. The team did nothing really. I assume Johnson is abroad or injured but regardless of that, the team was not a presence this weekend.
WHAT’S NEXT?!?!?
Next weekend, the ITA West and PNW Regional Championships are on tap! We will have arguably the toughest regional tournament in the West and a very intriguing one in the PNW where Courtney Lawless reigned supreme last year but many new freshman have entered! Cannot wait to see what happens.
Lastly, if anyone would like to drop a comment, ask a question, share friendly information or even write me a love letter..(us bloggers want some love too!) please feel free to email me at: d3westwomens@gmail.com OR you can write a comment below! What ever floats your boat.
That’s all for now!! #westcoastbestcoast
DWW out