LET’S PLAY 13!
While at the SMU-Texas women’s match, I got news that Texas and Virginia had agreed to extend their dual match for tomorrow to a best of nine points, with the three doubles as a point and then eight singles matches all counting. Later it was decided to go ahead and play as many matches as possible. Texas took nine guys on the trip, so they will play four doubles (all counting), as well as nine singles, to make a best of 13.
This is great for the college game. These coaches are getting as many players as possible involved. And why not? Both will almost be guaranteed top-16 seeds (if not top-8 or 4) this May, so the results may not be as important. Both coaches have some incredible depth and can get some of those younger players some great matches in THAT ACTUALLY COUNT against top-5 competition. I know UVa wants to play a quality opponent outside and get some much needed confidence in that area as well.
With Sanam Singh back from Moscow, it makes it all that much better.
SMU LOSES VANKOVA, THEN UT MATCH
SMU’s newest addition Katerina Vankova is suffering from a leg injury that kept her out of action today. Being a chronic sufferer of the same issue (I am not going to go into more for HIPPA reasons, just in case), I know it can be a struggle. Whether she can pay against A&M on Monday is another issue.
Without her, SMU was put in a hole. When the doubles went on the court though, it didn’t seem to matter, as the Ponies rushed out to quick leads at 1 and 3. While UT was rolling at 2, SMU rolled along at 1. Interestingly enough though, Lancaster and Larsson fought back and won at 2 to give the Horns the point, which would prove to be the difference.
I wasn’t able to hang around for the singles, but I thought it was good for Texas that Maggie Mello was added to the lineup. She seems to fight hard when in and Craddock hasn’t shown any ability to win. Craddock by the way was listed around eighth on the depth chart for the day.
Well, UT went on to win at 6, 4 and 3 to take a clinching 4-0 lead before SMU rallied to make it respectable by winning at 5, 1 and 2.
The biggest hurt for SMU is the continued fact that this was one of their VERY FEW chances to make a statement and they were not able to get it done. Their conference doesn’t allow any solid wins to help their ranking, so again, they will be on the road for the first rounds it seems.
NEW BRAUNFELS STRIPPED OF TITLES, KIMBELL NEXT?
In high school tennis news, a story was reported in the San Antonio Express-News Friday that states that a District Executive Committee (DEC) has stripped New Braunfels of their district titles from the past two years. What makes it so interesting is the fact New Braunfels is where all of the kids from Newks go to school. There have been rumbling for a couple of years between the Highland Park (Dallas), Westlake (Austin) and New Braunfels folks. A couple of years ago at the UIL State Team Championships, it got real ugly.
The violations stem from players practicing during school hours with a non-school employee. Schools have complained for years about it, but were told by the UIL (the governing body of high school sports in Texas) there was no proof. Well, it turns out a few parents decided to hire some private investigators who discovered the violations.
This is just starting to get real ugly. At jeopardy are New Braunfels three state titles (really only 2 for now) and a host of players who may be declared ineligible for the spring, as well as losing title.
The most obviously player is three-time state champion Lilly Kimbell. Lilly has made a point of playing for her team, including missing several very close ITF events to play district, regionals and state. I am certain there will be a State Executive Committee meeting sometime soon. How soon, how knows, as the UIL is finishing up basketball next weekend and is swamped. But I can guarantee you this is not going away.
I have spoken with a parent from an opposing team who has knowledge of the private investigation and filming. She confirms Kimbell is one of the kids caught on tape during the school day working out at Newks. I will keep you informed as this moves forward, but just for grins, read the comments at the bottom of the article…
pooooor westlake. can’t win on the court so they pay an investigtor to go on private property to video tape minors without anyone’s consent in order to “uncover” and “expose” something that everyone in texas has known was going on for over twenty years. embarassing!
And just so nobody thinks I have an agenda (or a horse either way) on this… I went to Alamo Heights. I din’t like any of the teams involved… then again, back in my day, we never lost to them either… LOL.