Southern, Missouri Valley Win  18 & Over 4.0 Nationals

It was a weekend to remember for the Southern section men’s team from Jackson, Miss., and the Missouri Valley women’s team from Overland Park, Kan., as they were crowned champions at 2017 USTA League Adult 18 & Over 4.0 National Championships.

Playing under brilliant sunny skies at the Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex in Surprise, Ariz., the Southern section, representing the Parham Bridges Tennis Center, overcame a tough Southern California section team from La Habra, Calif., 4-1, in an exciting men’s final.  

“A lot of this group has been together close to 10 years. It feels great to finally climb the mountain. We were strong in singles, but when one of those guys lost, we had someone else pick them up,” said Southern section team captain Paul Kimble. “We have a big group of guys. We supported each other and had a great time.”

In the women’s final, the Missouri Valley section, which plays at the Genesis Health Club, capped its impressive run to the title by defeating the Midwest Section women’s team from Stow, Ohio, 4-1.

“It feels fantastic. My players played amazing and they earned it. There was a lot of tough competition. We stayed positive and won it with heart. We weren’t necessarily more skilled, but we wanted it more,” said Missouri Valley Section team captain Romy Carlson as her team celebrated its championship.  

The Texas section men's team from Houston defeated the Hawaii section team from Honolulu, 3-2, to finish the 4.0 National Championships in third place.

The Intermountain section women’s team from Englewood, Colo., edged the Northern California section team from Oakland, Calif., 3-2, to win third place.