by Aidana Saudabayeva
The Bread & Roses Tournament made a triumphant return this year, having last been played in 2016. Revived by Kathy Pugh, the event brought together Team Boston vs. Team Newport for a day of spirited competition, camaraderie, and celebration of the game. The weekend was proudly sponsored by the USCTPF Player Development Fund.
One of the most special aspects of the tournament was the number of new players who participated. Several competitors had only been playing court tennis for as little as three months, making the event a true celebration of growth, encouragement, and welcoming new players into the sport.
The matches were incredibly close throughout the day, with both teams battling point for point. The overall score was tied 4–4 heading into the final two matches. With the pressure on, Team Boston rose to the occasion, taking both final matches to secure a 6–4 victory over Team Newport.
A big thank you to Team Newport for making the trip to Boston and filling the dedans with energy and cheering throughout the day. An equally special (and investigative) thank you to Amy Wintersteen for successfully locating the tournament trophy after nearly 10 years—conveniently discovered hiding in plain sight in the Newport trophy case. And finally, thank you to Neil Smith for organizing the matches and marking tirelessly all day to keep everything running smoothly.
The revival of Bread & Roses was a tremendous success, and the enthusiasm from players and supporters alike made it clear that this tradition is one worth continuing for years to come.
