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2018 USTA FL 55 & Over 3.5/4.5 Sectional Championships

Hillsborough Enjoys Big Day

June 18, 2018
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The 2018 USTA Florida Adult 55 & Over 3.5/4.5 Sectional Championships concluded on Sunday, with squads from Hillsborough county taking home three of the four titles earned on the day. Divisional crowns in the men’s 3.5, women’s 4.5 and men’s 4.5 all went the way of Hillsborough, while Pinellas (Countryside) staked claim to the women’s 3.5 competition.

Pinellas jumped out to an early advantage due to an unfortunate circumstance, as the duo representing Sarasota (BNR Encore) at line one retired after completing only one game of play. Sarasota was able to take court two with relative ease (6-3, 6-0), but it would not be enough. Pinellas’ Diane Flammer and Debra Gross held off a comeback effort from Sigi Moriece and Beverly Austgen at the third position, eventually winning 6-3, 3-6, 1-0 to clinch for their team.

After going undefeated in flight play, Hillsborough (Temple Terrace) entered the men’s 3.5 final as the clear favorite against Broward (WTC). Taking two opening sets by the score of 6-2 and the other in a tiebreak, Hillsborough appeared well on their way to victory; they would not disappoint. Robert Chen and Larry Palombo put away the Broward tandem on court three by a margin of 6-2, 6-2. Joe Moxley and Chirs Wiley also cruised at the top spot, delivering a 6-2, 6-3 win. With the title already in hand, Hillsborough closed out the sweep thanks to Richard Warrener and Michael Costanza toughing out a 7-6, 7-5 decision at line two.

In the final dual of the tournament in the women’s 4.5 division, Hillsborough (Cheval) outlasted Alachua (Azalea Park) to take the team title. Both teams entered the matchup undefeated, creating a winner-takes-all scenario. Hillsborough’s Sharon Benson and Chris Bartos dropped just five games at the third position to move their squad in front, but Jane Fountain and Elena Escamilla pulled Alachua back even. That put all the pressure on court one, where Mary Paul and Donna Parimore took the opening set 6-4 but saw their opponents rally in the second to force a match tiebreak. That would go the way of Hillsborough, giving them the 6-4, 2-6, 1-0 triumph and team title.

Also dominant on the weekend was the women’s 4.5 squad from Hillsborough (Palma Ceia). With the division featuring just one flight, they needed to win three dual matches for the crown. That accomplishment was done with ease, as they went a perfect nine-of-nine in individual courts contested. Overall, Hillsborough gave away a mere three sets and 59 games for the tournament.

For complete results from the 2018 USTA Florida 55 & Over 3.5/4.5 Sectional Championships, click here.