ECTA – Evansville Tennis Center

Alexa Elpers Signs to Play at Marian University

Ryan McDaniel — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 19:30:40 +0000

Mater Dei Senior signed her National Letter of Intent last week in front of family, friends and coaches. Alexa has been a part of our organization for many years, and we are thrilled and excited to have played a small role in her development. Despite considering multiple colleges, she ultimately chose Marian University. She will join a team that was ranked top 25 in the country. She has continually worked hard on and off the court to turn her dream of playing college tennis into a reality.

Alexa began her high school career playing number two singles, behind fellow ETC alumna Lauren Marx (Butler Univ.). Alexa took over at number one singles her junior year where she continued to be win. Alexa is a three time all-state honorable mention, three time all-conference, and three time all-district player. Her success off the court has resulted in being named a three time academic all-city honoree, and was named an Evansville Courier & Press “Bronze” Star student.

44 News interviewed Alexa and the story can be found here.

Caden Scarlett Plays International Tournament – JR Orange Bowl

Ryan McDaniel — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 18:01:53 +0000

The Junior Orange Bowl is not only an international tournament, it is one of the most important and prestigious junior tournaments in the world. The globally recognized event brings together over 1,300 of the top ranked male and female players, representing 76 countries. The tournament boasts an impressive alumni list of current pros including: Caroline Wozniacki, Genie Bouchard, Maria Sharapova, Alexander Zverev, Roger Federer, Juan Martin del Potro, Kei Nichikori, and Andy Murray. Former tennis greats such as Chris Evert, Jimmy Connors, Mary Joe Fernandez, Monica Seles, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff have also participated.

This year, one of ETC’s own had the chance to travel to south Florida and play in this prestigious event. Caden Scarlett, who is one of the areas top players has participated in numerous USTA Midwest and National tournaments. He decided to take his talents to South Beach (technically Key Biscane) to battle against some of the best players from the US and the rest of the world. Scarlett did not gain direct entry into the main draw, meaning he had to qualify to secure a spot into the main draw.

Caden adapted quickly to the heat, humidity and outdoor conditions which is typically tough to do after being indoors for several months. His first opponent was fellow american Jaxon Lamb (Greenville, TN). Lamb is a five-star recruit and is ranked inside the top 100 nationally.

Lamb got off to great start in the first set and took the first 6-1, but Scarlett stayed focused and committed to his game plan. Caden broke serve in the second game to even the score 1-1. From that point on, the players pushed each other in a back in forth manner. The score would eventually reach 4-4 with Scarlett serving. At 4-all in the second set, Lamb would eventually break and hold his serve to win the match 6-1, 6-4

https://youtu.be/SDpHLf0f3DQ

Scarlett is the third boy from Evansville to play in the Orange Bowl since 2015.

Thompson Makes it Official – Signs with Xavier

Ryan McDaniel — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 20:14:33 +0000

Mater Dei Senior and 2-time IHSAA State Semi-Finalist Aaron Thompson made it official in October, by signing his national letter of intent to play for Xavier University. Joined by his parents and grandparents, Aaron addressed the entire student body of Mater Dei to officially announce his decision. Thompson, who will go down as one of the most successful IHSAA players of all time accumulated a 104-7 record throughout his four years. All 111 of his matches were played at #1 singles.

His senior proved to be another great year. Aaron managed to compile a record of 28-1 before losing to the eventual IHSAA State Champion.

Aaron will join Xavier’s Men’s Tennis team in the fall of 2019. He continues to play high level events and plans on training full time until he leaves for school.

Congratulations Aaron on the wonderful achievement and hard work! We look forward to following your career at Xavier.

Thompson Showing Confidence

Ryan McDaniel — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 20:44:44 +0000

Great article by Kyle Sokeland of the Courier and Press. To visit the original article please click here

*This article was published Sept 1, 2017 on the Courier and Press website

EVANSVILLE – Aaron Thompson has always been a strong tennis player for the Mater Dei Wildcats.

A conference singles title and multiple state honors back that up. But looking at him now, even his coach can tell you that there is something different about him. Whatever he has changed, it seems to be working.

Almost a month into his junior season, Thompson remains undefeated on the court. Not one to toot his own horn, the Mater Dei standout is beginning to reach another level of his game.

“My season is going pretty well,” said Thompson. “I just feel great out there. I’ve had a lot of tough competition, but I feel great confidence-wise.”

Thompson came onto the scene as a freshman, compiling a 26-2 record and winning the individual Southern Indiana Athletic Conference title at No. 1 singles.

As a sophomore, he earned First Team All-State and All-SIAC honors after finishing with a 20-3 mark on the court and was the SIAC runner-up to Memorial’s Brandon Wu.

But now an upperclassman, the junior has developed a better overall game. He will attack the net more to compliment a strong serve and forehand.

“He has gotten to be more of an all-court player than he used to be,” said Mater Dei coach Christine Clements. “He has worked so hard in the offseason and he just continues to get better. We are working on some different things to improve his game, but he is playing well.”

Thompson stayed busy this summer between workouts and tournament play. He trains with the Evansville Tennis Community Association and would spend four or five days a week on the court for several hours.

He also played in several tournaments around the Midwest. His highlight came by making the Central Indiana Tennis Association Team Cup.

“I thought that I played well this summer,” said Thompson. “I made CITA Team Cup, which is where you are paired up with your district and play against other districts in the Midwest.”

Clements also sees a stronger mental approach from her No. 1 singles player. In a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Memorial’s Zach Woods Wednesday, Thompson won several long rallies to keep momentum on his side.

“He is able to hang in there during the tough points,” said Clements. “Because of all of his tournament play, he has become a lot tougher mentally.”

No. 27 Memorial prevailed 3-2 in that match to drop Mater Dei’s team record to 4-2. After winning back-to-back sectional championships, the Wildcats returned four experienced players to have a strong core for this year.

However, the rest of the lineup is still learning the ropes.

“It is a bit of a building year for us,” said Clements. “Our experienced players are very strong, so they are helping us a lot. Our younger guys are getting better pretty quickly.”

The focus for Mater Dei and Thompson will soon turn to the SIAC Tournament (September 21-22) and the sectional (September 27-30). However, teams like Castle, Memorial and Reitz have all had good showings thus far.

“I feel great, but there are a lot of tough players out there,” said Thompson. “You never know what can happen.”

Ann Li Wins First Pro Title

Ryan McDaniel — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 22:49:39 +0000

Sunday afternoon Ann Li (Devon,PA) captured her first professional title. Li was the 2017 Wimbledon junior finalist. She lost to fellow American Claire Liu in the second-ever all-American girls final at Wimbledon, dating back to 1947. Li was given a wild card by the USTA to play in this years Women’s Hospital Classic. She drew a tough first round opponent in Alexa Graham. Graham, a standout North Carolina Tar Heel came off a terrific season with the team finishing ranked top 5 among all NCAA Division I teams. Li defeated Graham 6-3, 7-5. Li’s next round opponent was fellow teenage American stand out, Whitney Osuigwe. Osuigwe won the Rolland Garros junior title in 2017. Li went on to win 7-6, 6-1. Caty McNally became Li’s quarterfinal opponent after beating Madeleine Kobelt 6-3, 6-0. After defeating McNally 6-1, 6-3, Li beat Lorraine Guillermo in the semi finals 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. Her final opponent entered the week with 25 combined Pro Circuit titles but the teenager lived up to the hype beating Marcela Zacarias in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Congratulations to Ann Li on her first title. For more information on this years Women’s Hospital Classic please visit the tournament website.

Guillermo In Singles Semifinal and Doubles Final

Ryan McDaniel — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 20:59:02 +0000

The summer of success continues for Ann Li as she reaches a career best semi-final appearance at a Pro Circuit tournament. Li is back in the states, after competing in Wimbledon. The seventeen year old from Pennsylvania, not only made the finals of Wimbledon this month, but has matched her career high world ranking of 14. Li found herself in a familiar place today as she played another young American who is traveling with her as part of the USTA Player Development team. Li beat Caty McNally 6-1, 6-3 to reach this years semi-finals where she will play Lorraine Guillermo.

Guillermo, who beat Alexandra Morozova in the second round, played another seeded player. Today, it was Caitlin Whoriskey, the top ranked and seeded player in the tournament. Guillermo once again came out victorious, downing Whoriskey 6-3, 6-0. Guillermo was a two-time All-American at Pepperdine University where she also won the ITA / Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship award. Guillermo and Li are set to play tomorrow at 10:30am.

Defending champion, and crowd favorite Kennedy Shaffer battled for three sets today against Allie Kiick. Kiick, who is playing in her fourth tournament since July 2015 took the first set 6-4. Shaffer fought back to push it to a third set, but it was Kiick who ultimately won with a final score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Kiick’s win sets her up with a semifinal matchup against the Marcela Zacarias.

Zacarias is the highest seed remaining in the draw. Zacarias is from San Luis Potosi, Mexico and has won a total of 11 career Pro Circuit singles titles. She has also 14 career Pro Circuit doubles titles. Zacarias reached a career high WTA ranking of 181 in 2015.
The Women’s Hospital Classic Doubles Finals will be played after both semi-final singles matches. Winthrop teammates, Lauren Proctor and Alice Garcia beat the second seeded pairing of Cameron Morra and Salome Devidze 5-7, 6-1, 10-7. Lauren Proctor will be entering her junior year, while Garcia finished her Winthrop career last year after being named All-Conference.
Proctor and Garcia will play Lorraine Guillermo and Madeleine Kobelt. Guillermo has one career Pro Circuit doubles title, winning in Victoria, British Columbia in 2016. Kobelt will be playing in her first doubles finals in Evansville. Kobelt reached the semi-finals in 2013.

Saturday morning the Evansville Community Tennis Association with the help of local coaches will be hosting Family Day. Family day is open to anyone. Coaches will provide free instruction, games, and prizes for participants. Immediately following Family Day, the semi finals will begin.

Schedule of Play: 10:30am start time
Lorraine Guillermo vs Ann Li
Allie Kiick vs Marcela Zacarias
Alice Garcia / Lauren Proctor vs Lorraine Guillermo / Madeleine Kobelt

Seeds Go the Distance

Ryan McDaniel — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 00:41:00 +0000

Lorraine Guillermo

Play continued Thursday, with the tournament moving indoors. The round of 16 brought many anticipated match ups and they did not disappoint. Five seeds remained as the day began, and four will move on. Top seeded Caitlin Whoriskey was tested early and often by the 17-year-old Ellie Douglas. Caitlin and Ellie split the first two sets 6-3. But Whoriskey ultimately pulled ahead with a break of serve in the third set. She would go on to win the final set 6-3. Whoriskey will play qualifier Lorraine Guillermo Friday. Guillermo took down sixth seeded Alexandra Morozova. After dropping a close first set (6-4), Guillermo responded by taking the second and third sets 6-1, and 6-2 respectively.

Caty McNally, who has won five straight matches – including qualifying, beat Syracuse alumna Madeleine Kobelt in straight sets. McNally will play fellow American Ann Li. In a very anticipated matchup of Grand Slam finalists, Li ousted Whitney Osuigwe. The first set between the two teenagers came down to just a few points. The first set ended in a tiebreak, 7-4, favoring Li. Li took the tiebreak momentum into the second set and never looked back, winning 6-1 in the following set.

Kennedy Shaffer needed three sets to beat qualifier Abigail Desiatnikov 3-6, 6-2, 6-0. The defending Women’s Hospital Classic champion will face fifth seeded Allie Kiick in the quarterfinals.

Marcela Zacarias

The remaining quarterfinals matchup will feature two fellow country woman (Mexico), Sebastiani Leon and Marcela Zacarias. Zacarias played Sara Daavettila in the round of 16. Daavettila had previously earned two consecutive wild cards to play the Women’s Hospital Classic in the past.

Sunday’s July 23 – SCHEDULE

Court 9 – starting at 9 a.m.
Ann Li vs Caty McNally
Caitlin Whoriskey vs Loraine Guillermo
Garcia / Proctor vs Devidze/ Morra

Court 12 – starting at 9 a.m.
Allie Kiick vs Kennedy Shaffer
Sebastiani Leon vs Marcela Zacarias
Guillermo / Kobelt vs Morozova vs Nemtsova

Teen Matchup Set for Thursday

Ryan McDaniel — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 22:12:05 +0000

Remaining main draw matches brought a lot of excitement today. As the first round concluded, fans were treated to several three set matches. Sixth seeded Alexandra Morozova needed all three sets to take down wild-card winner Dalayna Hewitt. After two and a half hours, Morozova won 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(7). Meanwhile over on Court 1, Osuigwe and Stewart pushed each other to the limit. Both girls battled through pain as their match also lasted two and a half hours with Osuigwe winning 6-1,3-6,7-6(3). But the longest match of the day belonged to Court 9 (stadium court). Cameron Morra and Marcela Zacarias fought for three hours with Zacarias ultimately pulling it out. 7-6(2), 4-6, 6-2.

Wimbledon junior singles finalist, Ann Li defeated fellow American Alexa Graham 6-3, 7-5. Li will look to continue her hot streak tomorrow against Whitney Osuigwe. Osuigwe and Li recently played each other at the Easter Bowl Championships. Osuigwe won 7-5, 7-6(5). Osuigwe is currently the 2nd ranked junior in the world while Li is ranked 14th.

Other winners today include Ellie Douglas (USA), Lorraine Guillermo (USA), Taylor Robinson (USA), and Caty McNally. McNally who qualified for the second straight year defeated Jaeda Daniel routinely with a 6-2, 6-2 victory.

Miami (OH) bound Makenzie Myers drew a large crowd as the local community cheered her on against Abigail Desiatnikov. Desiatnikov downed the wild card recipient 6-1, 6-0.
Caitlin Whoriskey is scheduled to play Ellie Douglas. Douglas is currently the number 23-rankd junior in the world. She reached the doubles quarterfinals at junior Wimbledon this year and also advanced to the third round in singles. She also reached the finals of Easter Bowl this spring.

Defending champion, Kennedy Shaffer will play Abigail Desiatnikov. Desiatnikov qualified this year and had a career high junior ranking inside the top 100.

To view Thursday July 27th schedule please visit USTA Pro Circuit

American Seeds Advance as Qualifying Ends

Ryan McDaniel — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 21:14:29 +0000

The main draw is set. On the last day of qualifying, eight ladies advanced to the main draw. Wimbledon junior doubles finalist Caty McNally beat Salome Devidze 6-4, 4-6, 6-1. Peyton Stearns defeated national champion Elysia Bolton 7-6(5), 0-6, 6-3. Katerina Stewart, Abigail Desiatnikov, Kolie Allen, Cassie Mercer, and Jada Robinson filled out the rest of the main draw with victories.

As those women filled out the main draw, some main draw matches already began. Allie Kiick, seeded fifth, defeated fellow American Stephanie Nemtsova 6-0, 6-1. Kennedy Shaffer was in dominate form as she beat Anastasia Nefedova 6-1, 6-2. Shaffer will play the winner of tomorrow’s match between McKenzie Myers and Abigail Desiatnikov.

Top seeded Caitlin Whoriskey downed former Grand Slam champion Alona Bondarenko. Whoriskey managed to convert five of her thirteen break points. Whoriskey also won 82% of her first serve points which helped lead the way to a first round victory 7-5, 6-1.

Main draw play continues on Wednesday with both local wildcard recipients scheduled to play. Dalayna Hewitt, who earned the wild card in June by winning the local Woodie Championship (City Championships) is scheduled to play Alexandra Morozova. Hewitt returns back to Evansville after winning both singles and doubles in a junior ITF event. Her opponent has won two career doubles titles on the Pro Circuit.

McKenzie Myers will also be featured on Wednesday. Myers, who trains at Tri-State Athletic Club, was given a local wild card into the main draw. This is the third straight year in which Myers has received or earned a local wild card. In 2015, Myers earned the local main draw wild card by winning the wild card tournament hosted by the Evansville Community Tennis Association. Last year, Myers and Addison Brown were given a local wild card to play in the main draw of doubles. Due to a scheduling conflict Myers was unable to play in the singles qualifying draw. Myers will attend Miami (OH) University next fall. She represented Memorial High School at the IHSAA state finals this year. She was the first Memorial player to reach the state finals since Macie Elliott won the title in 2010-2011. Myers will play Abigail Desiatnikov. They are the third match scheduled on Court 9.

Wednesday will also feature a terrific match-up of two incredibly talented girls. Alexa Graham, who just completed her first season at the University of North Carolina, where she received ALL-ACC honors and was named to the All-ACC Academic Team. She holds two USTA Pro Circuit and ITF Pro Circuit singles titles ($10,00 Hilton Head Island, S.C. in 2015, and $15,000 Victoria, Canada, in 2017). Her opponent Ann Li, received a wild card to play in this years event. Li reached this year’s Wimbledon junior final, facing Claire Liu in the second ever all-American girls final at Wimbledon, dating back to 1947. She has reached a career high ranking of no. 14 in the ITF World Junior Rankings. She has committed to play at Louisiana State University. In their last matchup Graham defeated Li 7-5, 6-4.

Wednesday, July 26 – SCHEDULE
Court 1 – starting at 9 a.m.
Ellie Douglas vs Peyton Stearns
Katerina Stewart vs Whitney Osuigwe
Garcia/ Proctor vs Bondarenko/ Nefedova
Derienzo / Raszkiewicz vs Kiick / Stewart
Court 7 – starting at 9 a.m.
Jada Robinson vs Taylor Johnson
Dalayna Hewitt vs Alexandra Morozova
Kolie Allen vs Cassie Mercer
Abrams/Song vs Morozova vs Nemtsova
Court 9 – starting at 9 a.m.
Cameron Morra vs Marcela Zacarias
Alexa Graham vs Ann Li
Makenzie Myers vs Abigail Desiatnikov
Daavettila / Graham vs Stearns / Tona
Court 12 – starting at 9 a.m.
Lorraine M. Guillermo vs Anika Yarlagadda
Caty McNally vs Jaeda Daniel
Guillermo / Kobelt vs Leon / Petrick
Douglas / Johnson vs Shaffer / Zacarias

Young Hopefuls Survive Again

Ryan McDaniel — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 20:31:14 +0000

Many juniors were featured in the second day of qualifying at the Women’s Hospital Classic. Five juniors advanced and will play tomorrow for a spot in the main draw. Elysia Bolton and Peyton Stearns, both juniors, will face each other. Bolton advanced today by walkover while Stearns used all three sets to down Caitlin Bernard. Caty McNally cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 victory today to set up a match against Salome Devidze. They are scheduled on Stadium Court as the second match on. Abigail Desiatnikov, Kolie Allen, and Jada Robinson also pulled out victories today, giving them one more match to win before gaining entry into the main draw.

Monday’s schedule will feature a mix of qualifying and main draw matches. Caitlin Whoriskey, 2014 finalist, is scheduled to play Alona Bondarenko of the Ukraine on Stadium Court, not before 11:00 am.. Top seeded Whoriskey competed in the doubles draw at Wimbledon thus year and is currently ranked inside the top 125 in women’s doubles. The former University of Tennessee standout, was named the 2010 College Senior Player of the Year after leading the Volunteers to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.

Last year’s champion, Kennedy Shaffer returns to Evansville to defend her title. She is entering her senior year at the University of Georgia where she received All-America honors in doubles this past season. She also received All-America honors in singles in her sophomore season. Shaffer is scheduled to play on Court 1, not before 11:00am.

Playing just her fourth tournament since July 2015, Allie Kiick makes her Evansville debut. Kiick has missed time with four knee surgeries and after being diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer. She peaked at world number 136 in 2014, and looks to get back into form this week. As a junior she was a singles finalist at the 2013 USTA Girls’ 18s National Championships.

Sunday’s July 23 – SCHEDULE

Court 1 – starting at 9 a.m.
Elysia Bolton vs Peyton Stearns
Kollie Allen vs Madison Appel
Anastasia Nefedova vs Kennedy Shaffer
Boyd/Iyer vs Daniel/Parks

Court 7 – starting at 9 a.m.
Lorraine M. Guillermo vs Csilla Fodor
Olivia Hauger vs Cassie Mercer
Mirana Tona vs Sebastiani Leon
Audrey Marquard vs Madeleine Kobelt

Court 9 (Stadium Court) – starting at 9 a.m.
Lauren Proctor vs Katerina Stewart
Salome Devidze vs Caty McNally
Caitlin Whoriskey vs Alona Bondarenko
Sara Daavetilla vs Magdalena Ekert

Court 12 – starting at 9 a.m.
Abigail Desiatnikov vs Kathleen Derienzo
Jada Robinson vs Meghan Kelley
Allie Kiick vs Stephanie Nemtsova
Fisch/Meyer vs Devidze/Morra