by Rob Whitehouse
Philadelphia hosted the 2021-22 Women’s Invitational Level Championships on April 22nd – 24th. We had twelve ladies enter this year’s event, and most were brand new players to the game. Friday night saw four Level matches played, and all were highly contested, with two of the matches going to 9 all. Kelly Patrick, who is brand new and playing in her first event, had a bunch of game balls but could not convert against the steady Kitty Cook. Brittany Wakim and Shirley Freitag had a barn burner with Freitag nipping her 10-9. Kaytlynn Gorson went up against Ellen Devoe, and they had terrific rallies throughout their match. Devoe looked wiped at seven all but found some gas to close Gorson out 10-9. Carlie Rice and Libby Gephart, both newer players from Philly, faced off, and Rice played some nice length balls to nip Gephart 10-7.
The Quarters saw some future stars in Hazel Christensen and Calliope Yannuzzi from Tuxedo winning their Quarters. Christensen over Cook 10-1 and Yannuzzi over Rice 10-2. The two other quarters saw all Newport Ladies battle it out. Ellen Devoe and Shirley Freitag had a see-saw with many games going to deuce, but Freitag didn’t convert enough of her game balls, and Devoe squeaked by 10-5. The last quarter saw the experience of Sheila Reilly overtake Prady Sakpal 10-3.
The all-Tuxedo Semi between Christensen and Yannuzzi was a treat to watch with some outrageous rallies and tremendous forces to the dedans. Christensen was a bit steadier and won 6-1 6-1. Sheila Reilly and Ellen Devoe were the best matches of the day, with great rallies mainly on the floor. It went the distance, but Reilly prevailed 6-1 4-6 6-4. The Finals were Youth versus Experience duo, and Hazel Christensen was too tough, winning 6-1 6-4 over Sheila Reilly!
We added a Singles Handicap event this year to keep the ladies busy on the court. Great matches with handicaps involved saw Libby Gephart go against Hazel Christensen in the Final. Hazel nipped her in the final 6-1 6-4. Thanks to all that played and keep getting on the court, and to see everyone back at next year’s Invitational!
Click here for the Complete Draws
Hazel Christensen & Sheila Reilly
Hazel Christensen & Libby Gephart
