PO‘IPU — The battle was between the elements and tennis players over the weekend during the holiday Tennis Doubles benefiting the Kaua‘i United Way at the Po‘ipu Kai Tennis Courts. Rain squalls accompanied by gusty trades shortened play on Saturday
PO‘IPU — The battle was between the elements and tennis players over the weekend during the holiday Tennis Doubles benefiting the Kaua‘i United Way at the Po‘ipu Kai Tennis Courts.
Rain squalls accompanied by gusty trades shortened play on Saturday and kept players huddled under tents until mid-morning on Sunday. When play was allowed, balls were seen soaring over the high fences onto other courts on errant hits.
“We had a lot going on trying to catch up on Sunday,” said Krystyna Noe, coordinator of the match. “Because of the rain, we were not able to go on with the games and prizes which were originally scheduled for Sunday afternoon.”
Noe said in an effort to catch up on the weather-plagued tournament, play format was switched to pro-sets Sunday.
“But not being able to start until 10:30 a.m. Sunday, the last finals match did not start until 3:30 p.m.,” Krystyna said. “We were happy the sun finally came out and we were able to finish out the tournament portion of the weekend.”
She said the fun day portion will be carried over for the next Charity Doubles event in February where players can have an opportunity to win prizes contributed from a variety of sponsors.
Herb Noe partnered with Steve Hunt to claim the Men’s A division, defeating Michael “Bino” Fitzgerald and Darron White, 6-4, 7-5 to open play Sunday after the courts had been squeegeed off from the morning rain and wind.
Dylan Werhly and Mike Henthorne defeated Manny Rivera and Charlie Ortiz, 4-6, 6-0, 1-0 (10-8) for the Men’s B crown and Dave Werner teamed with Christian Halladay to defeat Drew Vento and Brian Stein, 6-2, 6-3 for the Men’s C title.
Jennifer Hreljac teamed with Sue Gregor to get past Barbara Hubbard and Sheila Kurosu, 6-2, 4-0 (ret) for the Women’s A title.
Shannon Burkman and Melanie Cierras worked to get past Rosemary Vali and Rosemary Smythe, 6-7, 6-1, 1-0 (11-9) for the Women’s B title and the pair of Donna Umetsu and Katelyn Umetsu were 6-3, 6-4 winners over Lynelle Hughes and Masae Suzuki for the Women’s C crown.
The Fun Day will be tagged onto the next Mixed Doubles event on Feb. 25 and 26.
Visit www.kctennis2009.webs.com for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
