Competition

The tennis courts at the University of Minnesota are in Ridder Arena, the same building where the women's hockey team plays. The University tennis team plays their home matches there, too. The USTA mixed doubles sectionals are being held there this weekend, while the rest of the state goes to the State Fair. The competition is a little over half completed for the weekend.



So far, we have played three other level 8.0 teams who won their respective leagues. We are still undefeated, but the favored team lies ahead of us in the schedule, tomorrow about noon. They were upset today by another strong team, so we have a decent chance of getting through to the final match tomorrow afternoon, even if we lose in the earlier match. A win there would allow us to go to the national mixed doubles tournament. The tie breakers are favorable to us yet. So I may get another chance to play tomorrow.

I played only one match, and that was with Barb Lowe, my usual partner, against a Duluth team, Joe and Brenda. We won a pretty good match 7-5, 6-1. It was Barb's third match of the tournament, but she is, after all, one of the hard core girls. I was happy to contribute to her third win. We'll see what happens tomorrow, but I did get two free tee shirts, a stitched stocking cap, and lunch for my $12.50 entry fee. Not bad in the loot department. And no one got hurt.

PP and UK are off to a concert tonight, which I missed because of the tennis matches. The concert is a benefit that PP has been helping organize and features some native American influences. PP was looking around for ceremonial tobacco to either use in the concert or to present to the performers. As usual, I'm a little light on the details.