Senior Doubles Leagues are under way and early frontrunners are emerging.
The St. Petersburg Tennis Center has jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the women's 4.0 competition among seven teams and the Weston Innisbrook Resort is 4-0 in the 3.5.
"We've been successful up to this point, although we've really just started our season," SPTC captain Heather Nicoll said. "We have a good mix of players and represent four different clubs in the area, plus one player from Venice.
"We've had a couple of close matches with three-setters, but so far we've come out on top. Right now, we don't have set teams and I'm mixing up a lot of the players as we get into the season."
Joining Nicoll on the SPTC squad are Sherri Ebelke, Norma Rizzo, Sharon Cowan, Patti Prestera, Mechy Wright, Carol Glenn, Barbara Folan and Barbara Brutus.
Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club and Shipwatch Tennis Club both won their first match in the 4.0 division.
Innisbrook is first in the 3.5 and is followed by Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club. TI is 3-1 with its only loss to Innisbrook.
"Innisbrook is always tough and has so many players to choose from," TI captain Danielle Slaugenhoupt said. "Our team last year, based at Treasure Bay, missed (the playoffs) by a few points. This year, we hope to do better."
Changing from Treasure Bay to TI this year were Slaugenhoupt, Elizabeth Gaffney, Linda Riffe and Jonanne Pearson. Combined with Dolores Hayman, Elaine Concors, Jill Poterbin, Elizabeth McCusker, Jan Hanson, Cynthia Apter, Victoria Hess, Karen Winiecki and Patsy Voigtmann, Slaugenhoupt hopes for a successful season.
"We just love playing the league and traveling to the different clubs," Slaugenhoupt said. In the men's competition, the Racquet Club of St. Petersburg is first in both the five-team 3.5 Central division (3-0) and the five-team 3.5 South (2-0). PGTA-Gari is 3-0 in the 3.5 North. The three division winners will enter a playoff to determine the overall winner.
The McMullen Tennis Center leads in the 4.5 and 4.0 North divisions, while Seminole Lake Tennis Center is first in the 4.0 South. Countryside Country Club is first among three teams in the 3.0.
Senior Doubles League action continues through February with winners advancing to the state tournament in the spring.
LEAGUE LEADERS: Midway through the 16-team Racqueteers Women's Doubles League, Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club is in first with 152 points.
Second is the Royal Racquets (138), followed by Dunedin (132).
Defending league champion Bardmoor is paced by Nancy Harper and Carol Whaley in No. 1; Elsie Anderlik and Kay Caldwell, No. 2; Gale Nickerson and Erika Boardman, No. 3; Sylvia Hagermann and Pat Bellcourt, No. 4; Jacki Simon and Liz Proctor, No. 5; and Esther Gonzalez and Kaye Dobecki, No. 6.
Innisbrook completed the first half of the Satellite Ladies Doubles League in first place among 14 teams with 176 points.
Innisbrook's eight-position doubles team won 12 of its 13 matches, with its only loss to the Countryside Racquets.
In second-place at the halfway point is defending champion Feather Sound Country Club with 168 points, followed by the Countryside Racquets with 162.
UNSUNG HERO: Look for teaching pro Phil Girardi of Treasure Island in the Jan.-Feb. issue of USTA Magazine, a supplement to Tennis magazine.
Girardi, the state tennis organization's district director for Pasco, Pinellas and a portion of Hernando counties, is recognized by the U.S. Tennis Association for his volunteer efforts. Girardi has served as a volunteer district director the last five years, is involved in the community tennis association and is active in the schools program.
Girardi is the tennis director at the public Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis Club.
One volunteer from each of the 17 USTA sections was recognized, with Girardi representing Florida.
NET SHOTS: Boys 12-and-under No. 3 Garrett Betsarakis was a winner in the Christmas Super Series this month at Seminole Lake Tennis Center, as was Nicholas Berning in the 16 and No. 4 Julia Jones in the girls 12.
Largo's Rafeal Kucharski defended his top seeding in the men's open in the Holiday Classic this month at the Phil Green Tennis Academy in Safety Harbor. Kucharski outlasted Ben Kronk of Tarpon Springs in the final, 6-4, 1-6, 6-2.
Mark Wagner of Oldsmar defeated Thomas Ard of St. Petersburg in the men's 40-and-over final, as did Clearwater's Frank Ingram in the 70 division over Al Sarmiento.
Alex Deeb was a finalist in the men's 50 division, as was James McKibban in the 30.
COMING UP: The K-Swiss Christmas Bowl begins Saturday at Cheval Golf and Country Club. Juniors should call (813) 948-2282, today. ... The 35th Annual Sullivan Homecoming Invitational is Saturday at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center. Call the center, 823-2225, for specific playing times. ... Cheval offers the Battle of the Suncoast Ladies Jan. 10-12 in women's open doubles. Call (813) 948-2282. ... The SPTC Junior Championships are Jan. 10-12 at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center. Call the center, 823-2225.
