New England takes the field by storm at National Women’s Intersectionals

the sole point in the medal round. Kimball and Christine Creelman (Winchester, MA) lost in a tight three-setter. The other members on the second-place team were: Alyson Bolduc (South Burlington, VT), Eszter Chase (Barrington, RI), Sherwood Daniels (Richmond, VT) and Lee Delfausse (Concord, NH).

The 35s started Friday, a day later than planned, and benefitted from clear skies. For a team that nearly didn’t make it to the site, they hit the ground running, sweeping SoCal and going 4-1 vs. Northern before losing to Southern in the final with Alicia Salas (Darien, CT) taking a point at third singles. Connie Chiang (Newtonville, MA) led this strong group with Roopali Hall (Stamford, CT), Kasia Preneta (East Longmeadow, MA) and Ana Radeljevic (Chestnut Hill, MA). 

A highlight there was the 8-6 win by Smith and Turk over SoCal’s Dori Devries, the top player in the country, and Sheila Palmer. In the playoff round, Smith showed her smarts and skill at the singles spot with a 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 win.

In its first round, the 55s team battled the eventual division winner, Mid-Atlantic, lost a tight one to Southwest 2-3, and fell to Midwest. Everyone played well and several matches were close. The 55s team consisted of Davida Dinerman, captain, (Ashland, MA), Yvette Kruger (Natick, MA), Nancy Grimes (Bedford, NH), Deb Simpson (Winchester, MA), Sandy Allen (Burlington, MA) and Sue Corey (Newton, MA). Simpson had two great wins in singles and doubles vs. Southwest. 

The 65s team had some exciting matches in its journey, drawing the second seed, SoCal in the first round. They then faced Midwest and Eastern. Mary MacDonald (Tewksbury, MA) captained the team with Sue Bushman (Jamaica Plain, MA), Debbie Crowly (Ellsworth, ME), Joan Weir (Williamsville, VT), Helga Immerfall (South Burlington, VT) and Deb Pruitt (Cambridge, MA). Immerfall and Weir both had their best matches against Eastern. Pruitt and Crowley had a tight 8-6 win against Midwest.

Mary MacDonald summed it up with this, “I would have to say the hurricane won, but everyone gave 100% effort and represented New England tennis well. Supportive teammates, fair competitors, fun dinner conversations, still a fun week, despite the weather!”

A special thanks to Bernadette Lehmann for making the trip as the team’s trainer. And an extra shout out to Molly Hahn. Although she was unable to compete this year, she worked behind the scenes for many months, helping the division captains recruit players and coordinate logistics prior to the competition. The players also greatly appreciated the funds which the USTA New England generously contributed to each player.