A long week of competition came to an end Saturday for Team USA Wheelchair at the World Team Cup in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. 

 

The quad team had the best finish, taking the bronze for the second year in a row after winning its tie against Great Britain, 2-0. Bryan Barten defeated Great Britain’s Antony Coterril in the first tie of the morning, 6-3, 6-1. World No. 1 quad and Team USA member David Wagner dismissed long-time rival Andy Lapthorne of Great Britain, 6-1, 6-1.

 

 “I couldn’t be more proud of the team,” said quad team Coach Kevin Heim. “The men played with each other.  They played for each other.  Each player contributed.  We were literally one point from competing in the final in an epic semifinal atmosphere against Israel.  The men showed their true professionalism by showing up in the Bronze match with efficient play against Great Britain.  Truly a great week.”

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The women’s team, coached by Paralympian Jon Rydberg, also had a strong finish today against Brazil with a 2-1 victory. Mackenzie Soldan defeated Meirycoll Duval, 6-1, 6-4. 2016 Paralympian Shelby Baron fell to Natalia Mayara, 6-4, 6-3. In doubles action, Soldan teamed up with Dana Mathewson, defeating Duval and Mayara, 6-4, 6-3. With that win, they solidified a seventh place finish in the world. 

 

Women’s team Coach Rydberg said, “Mackenzie stepped into the second singles spot and didn’t miss a beat in her only singles match of the week.  Shelby played a very good player in Mayara, but battled hard and made her earn every point.  Dana and Mackenzie teamed up to win the deciding doubles match, they played solid and aggressive.  It was a great way to end the week beating a tough team with two really good players.”

 

The men’s team, coached by Jason Harnett, got its first victory of the tournament over Team Thailand, 2-1.

 

In the first singles match, 20-year-old Chris Herman defeated Banjob Suwan in three sets. Casey Ratzlaff fell in the second singles match to Suthi Khlongrua, 6-4, 6-4. Herman and Ratzlaff teamed up in doubles against Suwan and Khlongrua and prevailed, 6-3, 2-6, 1-0.

 

Jason Harnett, Team USA Head Coach said, “This World Team Cup in Apeldoorn ended up being a very productive week for Team USA.  A tremendous week of growth and fun yet once again for our Team USA Wheelchair program here in Apeldoorn! Thank you to all of you have supported and cheered from afar this week!”