7/24/18:
"Ralph-Moka at VHS, 8 play at C.G.!":
There were two official sessions of GTA Tuesday Night Tennis: the first one was at the Verona High School Courts and it featured the first of the "Grove Cup 21" Round of 16 Matches to be played. It was between "The Headhunter" Ralph Bernard and "Instant" Moka Pathan (with both reporting); and then there was the usual evening session at The Cedar Grove Courts with the contributors from that session being "Bravo" Brenda Jordan and "NC-17" Nick Caputo.
First we go to Verona and then to Cedar Grove.
The VHS Result:
"Grove Cup 21" Round of 16 Match:
Moka Pathan over Ralph Bernard, 7-5, 7-5, to become the New # 9 Ranked Player in the Advanced Division while advancing to the Quarterfinals of the 21st Annual Grove Cup Men's Singles Tournament! Ralph: 3 Aces (1 in the 1st Set and 2 in the 2nd Set)!
The Ralph Report: It was a fun, competitive match. Moka is a consistent player and you can't let up if you're going to beat him. The 1st Set was back and forth for the most part. The 2nd Set was much different. I played much better, delivering a lot of winners from both sides and had two Aces (had one in the prior set) to get out to a quick 5-1 lead. I was, of course, thinking the match was going to a 3rd Set, but then errors started creeping in and I think I let up mentally a bit since I had such a big lead (thinking ahead to the 3rd Set). Moka then proceeded to win the next five games taking it in two straight sets...definitely a disappointing result! I have to be a stronger closer. I want to wish Moka good luck on his next match and beyond.
Moka's Brew: We played at the Verona High School courts from roughly 7:15 to 8:35pm.
1st Set: We exchanged service holds until I broke to go up 4-2, but then he immediately broke back and took the next couple games to go up 5-4. I broke him to stay in the set and then I took the final two games for the set.
2nd Set: He really played well to start the set as he took leads of 3-1, then 5-1. I held to make it 5-2, at which point he turned on the lights. I got my second wind, somehow, and he made a few unforced errors as I improbably took the next five games to win the set and match.
I want to thank Ralph for scheduling this match on such short notice and also for offering up such a competitive match. He kept me off balance with his slice backhand and flat forehand shots. I feel fortunate to have won.
Samara's Notes: I thank both players for their timely and comprehensive reporting. It is greatly appreciated. I also congratulate Moka on a hard-fought yet impressive victory. Moka is now the first player in the tourney into the Quarterfinals (and he was also the first into the Round of 16).
We now head south to Cedar Grove. We will start with the scores from Brenda and finish with the results submitted by Nick.
The Cedar Grove Results:
Brenda Jordan/Michele Panzitta over Kathy Sheldon/Robin Wilson, 6-1! No Aces.
Kathy Sheldon/Brenda Jordan over Robin Wilson/Michele Panzitta, 6-2! No Aces.
Brenda Jordan/Robin Wilson over Kathy Sheldon/Michele Panzitta, 6-4! No Aces.
Non-Title Match:
Ryan Pienciak/Nick Caputo over Adam Pienciak/John Rizzo, 6-2, 6-4! No Aces. This was not a GTA Doubles Championship defense (even though A. Pienciak/Rizzo are a ranked team in the Doubles Division) as the reigning GTA Doubles Champions have been told not to defend their Titles until a winning team emerges from the ongoing M2 Men's Doubles Tournament.
Adam Pienciak/Nick Caputo over Ryan Pienciak/John Rizzo, 6-2! No Aces.
Samara's Notes: I thank both Brenda and Nick for their very timely reporting. As always, it is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Frank Samara
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