Florida Women, Texas Men Win 18 & Over 3.5 Nationals

The USTA League Adult 18 & Over 3.5 National Championships came to an exciting conclusion at the Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex in Surprise, Ariz., as the Florida section women’s team from Weston, Fla., and the Texas section men’s team from Houston came through a tough field of sectional teams to capture the championship crowns.

The Texas men’s team, which represents the Homer Ford Tennis Center in Houston, overcame a determined Caribbean team from Bayamon, P.R., 4-1, in a thrilling final. Earlier in the day, Texas edged the Northern California Section men’s team from San Francisco, 3-2, in the semifinals. 

“It feels fantastic. We had a lot of guys that fought really hard. We had to pull out some second-set and third-set (tie) breakers. I couldn’t be prouder of my guys,” said Texas captain Jason Freeman. “Everyone just pitched in. Somewhere along the line, everyone stepped up and won a match. It was a full team effort.”

In the women’s final, Florida, based out of the Midtown Athletic Club, defeated a strong Intermountain section team from Denver, 4-1. In the semifinals, Florida eliminated the Pacific Northwest section team from Bellevue, Wash., 3-2.

“This is a great group of people. We have an amazing team,” said Florida captain Maria Brozzi after her team’s victory. “I feel very grateful this weekend. There was great sportsmanship, especially in the championship against the team from Colorado.” 

The Middle States men’s team from Basking Ridge, N.J., finished in third place, defeating the Northern California team, 3-2.

In the women’s third-place match, Pacific Northwest defeated the Middle States team from Morristown, Pa., 4-1.