The Foster City Tennis Club sponsors many USTA League teams and we have written many stories to share our team experiences with the club. If you are interested in joining a USTA League team, send email to foster_city_tennis_club@yahoo.com.
by Jake Karmendy, Captain
2023 FCTC 7.0 Men's 70s Team Wins NorCal Districts,
on to Sectional December 13-14, 2022
Team Victory Play by Play
After falling 4 times to Sunnyvale during the regular season we won the one that really counted. Yes, that's right, we came away with a 2-1 triumph over previously unbeaten Sunnyvale on their home courts.
A beautiful fall day in Sunnyvale saw sunny skies and virtually no wind. The sun played havoc with overheads played from the sun side, but outside of that conditions were perfect [with the possible exception of the partial shade on court #1]. Head cheerleader Holly was present, so was old buddy Maris. Of course Bill was there too to drink beer and be ready to sub in.
All 3 matches were hard-fought and highly competitive.
At #1 Kevin & Dennis jumped out to an early lead but momentum see-sawed back and forth to 5-5. Two close games followed but opponents Tony Serksnis and Ben Chui got the breaks and took the first set.
Meantime, on court #2 Gerry & Phil won 9 of the first 10 games and looked in total command over two strong 3.5s.
On court #3 Ben & Ron had streaked out to a 4-1 advantage but their opponents, a strong 4.0 / 3.0 combination, had made some inroads and tied things up at 5-5. Then, after some painfully long games our pair came away with the set.
So this was going to be a nail-biter.
Back at #1 Dennis & Kevin worked hard and stayed with their opponents throughout the second set, but a couple of key points went the wrong way and our guys fell. 5-7, 4- 6. Close but no cigar.
At #2 life was getting hard for those of us watching. After leading 3-0 in the 2nd set Phil & Gerry were unfortunate witnesses to a major comeback by Sunnyvale. What happened? Maybe a little loss of focus, certainly an upgraded game by their opponents. This one was going to be decided by a Match Tiebreak. The good news here is our guys were clearly focused and played smart tennis throughout the tiebreak, leading start to finish. 6-1, 5-7, 1-0 [5]
So, as often happens in Playoffs, the entire season rested upon 1 match. And #3 was it. Characterized by long games, hotly contested points and unbridled passion, this match looked like it was headed for another Match Tiebreak. Ron & Ben were down 2-4 before working the score to even at 4-4, then 5-5, finally breaking through and securing our League Championship. 7-5, 7-5
This was an outstanding team victory.