'Fun' league continues to attract players

Since the 17-team South Pinellas Ladies Doubles League began in 1996 with about six squads, reasons for participating have been consistent.

Throughout the league's existence, the casual though competitive format and limited traveling requirements have resulted in enjoyable matches.

Sam Vuille, tennis director at St. Petersburg Country Club, introduced the league when he saw a need for an organized circuit that required fewer players with just two doubles teams per squad and didn't necessitate traveling to the northern end of the county or crossing over to Hillsborough.

"This league is competitive, that's for sure," Vuille said, "and all the players take their games quite seriously.

"Mary Pat Howley, who is a member and player at the club and works some in the pro shop, helps with setting it up and keeping track of the scores," Vuille said.

In the last session, completed before the holidays, St. Petersburg Tennis Center finished first in the five-team 3.0-3.5 division. The championship in the eight-team 3.5-4.0 division was shared by Shipwatch Tennis Club and Feather Sound Country Club. "Playing in this league is always fun," said Joan Malone, St. Petersburg Tennis Center's captain. "The league is not beyond the level of any of us. And, you meet some awfully nice people."

Malone plays in the No. 2 position with Bridget Misner and is joined by Greta Eadie and Sheila Mackey at No. 1. Feather Sound's Carol Stowasser has played in the league since its inception.She appreciates the more casual requirements and the shorter season compared to other leagues.

"My partner, Karen Augustine, and I play the USTA League, and the South Pinellas league gives us an extra opportunity to play together," Stowasser said. Joining the Feather Sound squad in the 3.5-4.0 division are Charlotte Wheeler and Maureen Barnum.

Shipwatch, the defending co-champion in 3.5-4.0, includes Miriam Walsh with Carol Wilson and Sylvia Scoble with Denise Rosenblatt. Walsh returned as captain this session.

Other captains in 3.5-4.0 include Lisa Taylor with Isla Del Sol; Jillian McDonnell, Treasure Island Recreation Center; Howley and Janet Vuille, St. Petersburg Country Club's two teams; and Jodi Matson, Jayma Main and Kimberly Lovato, Vinoy's three squads.

Taylor also captains Isla's 3.0-3.5 team.

The other captains are Luanne Bartles with Feather Sound; Sandy McGrath and Suzanne Alvarez for St. Petersburg Tennis Center's two squads; Margaret Oliver and Iva Eikner, Shipwatch's two teams; and Monika Gewecke, Treasure Island Golf, Tennis and Recreation Center.

Today's matches are the third of the nine-week session.

Saturday, the South Pinellas Men's Doubles League begins its second session with seven squads in 3.5-4.0 and four in 3.0-3.5.

In its inaugural session, there was a tie in 3.0-3.5 between Isla Del Sol and Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club, as well as in 3.5-4.0 between Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club and Seminole Lake Tennis Center.

NET NOTES: Boys 14-and-under No. 1 seed Nicholas Berning of Seminole was among the winners in last weekend's second annual Junior Championships at Westin Innisbrook Resort.

Second-seeded Brendan McKay won the 14 consolation draw.

Seminole Lake Tennis Center players Juen Kim (girls 12), Kwangmu Chong (boys 18) and Gyuwon Lee (boys 12) finished first in their divisions. Palm Harbor's Stephen Segura (boys 16) and Yuri Kurashima (girls 18) defended their top seeds.

St. Petersburg's Sheharyar Wali was a finalist in the boys 12 competition of the 40th annual Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship last month.

Wali lost 6-4, 6-1 to Cheon-Eui Kim of Korea.

SUPER SENIOR CIRCUIT: The annual championships make their way to the St. Petersburg area next month.

Beginning with St. Petersburg Tennis Center (360-2643), men's and women's singles and doubles competitions are offered Feb. 16-18, followed by St. Petersburg Country Club (867-9105) Feb. 18-24 for men from the 55-and-over division to 90 and Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club (367-5479) Feb. 25-Mar. 3, for men 55-90. FINAL CALL: Sign-ups for the K-Swiss Spring League conclude Thursday.

Events include men's and women's skill-level singles divisions.

For information, call the office, 836-6472, or go online to www.ultimatetennis.com.

COMING UP: Squads are forming for the third annual Time Warner Mixed Doubles Team Tennis Classic, Feb. 8-10 in Clearwater. Each squad consists of three mixed teams, including A, B and C pairs. For information, call Tom Spencer, (727) 669-8824. ... The American Cancer Society Charity Tournament returns to McMullen Tennis Center on Feb. 22-24 to offer men's, women's and mixed doubles competitions. For information, call 669-1919.

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