This past weekend saw the catchily titled New Jersey Gold Tournament conducted in Basking Ridge. Hosting was split between the Pingry School and the nearby ubiquitous Lifetime, with the older age groups at Pingry. Pingry, the “Big Blue”, is of course famous for many reasons, not the least being the 2013 Middle School National Champions (bet you didn’t know that!) and having a very pleasant facility with seven courts run by the very welcoming Coach Odeh. All in all a great weekend, and thanks to all the tournament staff.
Tiger Tournament Summary in 4 points:
25 participants, which was remarkable.
11 quarter finalists, which was commendable
5 semi finalists, which was notable and
1 very, very impressed coach in attendance!
Kicking off with the seniors, Will and Ani. Will, rebounding from some disruptions in his preparation for the season, Will played some monumental matches to make the quarter finals. Although I’m sure he wanted more, he was both tough and skilful and that will have to be enough for the moment. Ani was her usual effortful self finishing in 7th position and blitzing her Sunday afternoon opponents. We’re lucky to have seniors like this in the program, still getting better, still working hard and proving some great role models for the youngsters in the club.
The boys and girls U17’s saw a combined five of our quarter finalists. In the girls, well done to Steph and Anya in their quarters, both never not competitive and played tough throughout. In the boys JJ made a strong semifinal, defeating Eric in a brutal and may I say “crowd pleasing - match of the tournment type” five game quarter final match. Our other quarter finalist was Shrikar, who demonstrated his best squash of the season so far.
The U15 saw Madeleine play excellent squash to make the semi final round. Playing of a quality that was reminiscent of her excellent JCT performances last season, signs were good for Madeleine moving forwards. Yidrew in the BU15 won out through the consolation, finishing in 9th position and looking every inch a player of the future! Very impressive from both U15s! Shoutouts to Andrew and Allen, who battled hard in their down year and will be better for the experience!
The GU13 saw our twin (metaphorically) superstars, Mimi and Chloe, clash in the semi finals. Mimi emerged victorious on this occasion, going through to the final. Both girls have shown tremendous improvement in the last few months, a good reward for their hard work.
Last but not least the U11s! The girls saw Katherine make a strong semi final, fresh from her 4th place in the PA Gold a couple of weeks ago. Well done to one of our fastest improvers! The boys saw Tony defeat Ronnie to make an outstanding 6th place, with Ronnie going on to an auspicious 9/12. Both boys are already good, and are going to be even better and we would hope all three U11's will be challenging to win Golds in the none too distant future!
Next on the Tigers Calendar is the US Open and the start of our Christmas Camps - both kick off Saturday! Look out for our emails on tournament coaching and schedule changes for camp! See you all at the club and let’s finish the year in style!
