Our First Mixed Doubles Tournament
In a spirited final, the team of Stephanie Holeman and Greg Chapmka outlasted Mary Hughes and Max Upland by a score of 15 -11. In the end, Stephanie and Greg's steady play controlled their hard-hitting opponents. All 18 teams battled all afternoon on December 10th at the Y of Central Maryland in Ellicott City. The mixed double tournament was co-sponsored by the Howard County Pickleball Association (HCPA). All monies raised by the tournament entry fees were donated to HCPA.
Three pools of 6 teams played round robin style with the winners of each group advancing to a semi-final format. Pool 1 was won by Mary Hughes and Max Upland with a perfect 5-0 record. Pool 2 and 3 were also won with perfect records by Duane and Jan St Clair and Stephanie and Greg. The best of the second-place winners in pool play based on the least points given up was Candace Baxley and George Powell. In the semi-finals, Stephanie and Greg defeated Duane and Jan 11-2 and Mary and Max defeated George and Candice 11-7. The tournament lasted 4 hours and an enthusiastic crowd cheered all 4 teams during the semi-finals and finals. Awards were presented to the winners and runners up, in addition to plaques they received gift cards from T Bones Pub and Tino's Italian Restaurant.
Our thanks to all our game officials, clerks, and set-up and clean-up volunteers who helped it go so smoothly. Many thanks to the Y of Central Maryland for providing the facility to play the tournament. Finally, a special thanks to Charlie Brown as the tournament’s director whose planning and organizational skills contributed to a terrific second tournament for our young association.
