Sabrina Capannolo Ladies 18 & UNDER

Christian E Thompson (1)... Sabrina Capannolo  .... Jamie L Marshall  .. The first time I saw Jamie I could not imagine a player beating her, she had power and placement that was odd to see in a young form. Then I taped the match against Sabrina, and she defeated Jamie in the Easter Circuit Tournament. At this point I could not imagine what type of tennis game would beat Sabrina. Then today I taped Christian Thompson, who is the number one seeded player in the girls 18 and under, and she defeated Sabrina after a hard fought match where I noticed Sabrina playing very well, hitting great almost un-getable shots, returning with speed and placement and creating situations where she could put away balls, but this Christian doesn't quit. She chased down every ball and rarely allowed Sabrina's good play to be rewarded with a game. Even when Sabrina would have her add, numerous times, Christian would bring it back to deuce, and bring it back to deuce, and bring it back to deuce, and then eventually to her add, then Sabrina would bring it back to deuce, then in the end to Christian's add and eventually her game. At one point, Christian had Sabrina down 5-2 in the first set and Sabrina came backto tie it 5-5, but not back enough. It seemed no matter how well Sabrina played, Christian played better, defeating Sabrina 7-5, 6-2. Her sister, who is seeded 4th, decided to let her shoulder heal and has withdrawn from this tournament. Both girls have been in numerous National Tournaments, including making it to the finals in girl doubles at the Easter Bowl 2001, and Christian made it to the quarterfinals this year in 18 and under singles.They go to Bishop Gorman and play for Gordon Mammond on the tennis team. Side note....Jamie L Marshall  lost in the first round in a very tight match...6-4; 4-6; 6-3 to  Kendall Murphy  of Lake Forest,  Illinois.

ITA Easter Circuit 3-2002 news

I watched the final and Sabrina took apart Jamie's dominance with strong strokes and a very consistent game. Sabrina won the final match 6-4,6-1and is the Easter Circuit Tournament champion for girls 18 and under.