EASTER DAULAT , EASTER BALTAS, EASTER FRAMPTON, EASTER CARTER and EASTER ASIA

By: Ryan Wolfington

April 2004     

Easter Circuit, the time of year when Salt Lake and Colorado, and all those northern players come out of the indoor courts into the sun and wind of Las Vegas. I heard players from out of state talk about how much they enjoy coming to Vegas. There is a lot going on here. Even in LA and other larger tennis populations, few have a close tennis community like Vegas is becoming. Often times coaches, afraid of losing students, keep players apart and this limits the match play and camaraderie that is essential to development. Over the last two years players are getting to know one another personally, if not from a distance by reading these articles or by being involved with them at so many tournaments and mini-tournaments. This helps when players need to call one another for match play, or when a get together of the best players has to happen for development of match tough competitors.

This weekend, Julia Baltas continued this hot streak by winning one of the most difficult draws in the tournament. Watch out for the string of tough players in the girls 14's. Julia played Shauna Morgan and won in a very closely fought match. Shauna, to reach the finals, beat Ramina in a third set tie breaker that was extremely eventful. Shauna has always had a solid game but recently she has been able to garner her intensity and add an element that has made her able to close matches that she has often times fell just short. She is becoming a closer. Her and Julia play weekly and have showed a dedication that is second to none. This dedication has resulted in the ability to play solid tennis for hours on end, with the conditioning and mind set to prevail. In a loss in the finals like Shauna had today there is only glory, as both players played extremely well and had an excellent tournament to get there. Julia had to beat Snowball Finalist Simone Kalhorn.

In the boys 18's, Cameron Parker was less then satisfied with his loss in the finals taking second place. He felt he had more unforced errors in that one match then he had the whole tournament. But he can only he satisfied with getting early admission into Harvard University , which is almost impossible to do.

Stan Breland of TEAM AGASSI and Spencer Aguiar, had a great singles match. Both of these players, great athletes and serious competitors, are fun to watch. Breland, having grown a few inches and developed physically , was leaping in the air to get almost unreachable overheads, while Aguiar played one of the best points of the tournament with a backhand down the line, then a running forehand winner.

The most storied win today had to go to Estefania Serrano, who has been chasing an illusive win over Aziza Ababutain for almost 7 years. The two of them started early with David Pate at BALLY'S, and tournament after tournament for years, Aziza would always end up beating Estefania. The two, doubles partners and winners of the Amstel Open doubles, got along, but holding Serrano back from getting the sense of equality she was striving for was one win. But that win time and time again would slip away. It is not an easy thing to get a win over Aziza, who's serve has been clocked at 113, and who has dominated junior tennis in Las Vegas for years. But it was something that meant a lot to Estefania, as part of a friendly rivalry.

These rivalry's are important to keep everyone on their feet. One win does not mean the tide changes or one is better then the other, it is just a reminder to keep everyone ready. At the high school state championships this year Estefania, now a senior and Aziza, now a senior, ended up playing one another in the state semifinals. In a very close match, with Serrano having a chance at winning her only victory over Aziza ever, Aziza's ankle had a major injury taking her out of tennis for months and giving Estefania the match.

The victory was legitimate, but in Serrano's mind could be tainted. So when by chance the two ended up playing one another for the back draw final, and probably one of if not they last time before they graduate, Serrano was sleepless. But as fate would have it, Serrano would get her win, while her high school tennis coach Kathy Pederson, her dad Julian and her longtime coach Tim Blenkiron watched on. Even David Pate, the two player's original coach was there to see the beginnings of this showdown.

The first thing Blenkiron told Estefania was about the calmness of her game in the third crucial set. Now she can go out and play without the stigma of having never lost to Aziza. And for Aziza, who has had an incredible slew of victory's over Serrano and many other girls, is happy to be looking at the prospects of possibly getting a full scholarship to continue this game on the college level.

Another remarkable tale is that of Rishi Daulat, who just months ago was cut open on the operating table, an organ taken out of his body, yet today when I looked on the draw it said "DAULAT" in the finals. At first I thought it was Aashish, then saw 16&under and realized he pulled off a very big come back. His first tournament after playing no tennis for months, and he not only makes the finals but wins against Chris Arena, who has been on fire as of late.

In the girl's 12 and under, Jade Frampton continues her intermountain dominance by playing connect the dots winning the SNOWBALL SECTIONAL, and now the EASTER CIRCUIT. It is not hard to say who will end up being a player. I can tell you now who, in a few months will be a presence. It is simple. Dedication, focus, poise, intensity, endurance, these are the qualities. Frampton is a player that has "NO QUIT" in her. A student of Zdenek Cernoch at Canyon Gate , along with Alexis Garrett, these two players are committed and competitive daily. They take the sport seriously and happen to be two very excellent sports as well. Zdenek Cernoch coaches with intensity and knows how to demand it of his students. Another huge factor is the ever present parents that make a point to be available to assist in the coaching by being equally committed as well.

You will see this a great deal over at TEAM AGASSI, where Ronald Muhammad, Stan Breland, John Baltas, the Vongmans and aguiars and Linden all are active in their child's life. It is by no surprise that this dedication to excellence has transformed into Asia Muhammad winning the girls 14's doubles Easter Bowl Super Nationals this past weekend. CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT "THE ASIA STORY"

Tim Blenkiron and Ki Kroll before him, and Zdenek Cernoch along with Michael James and the many other effective tennis coaches, approach the game by addressing the mental side of tennis, which is huge. When I was at Pacific life I saw strokes no different then Gustavo Garbim and Cristala Andrews. So there must be a huge mental difference making them pro's and the local's not. After each student got off the court today Blenkiron addressed their mental state, the nuances that are paramount to mastering life. Don't get emotional. A very simple thing. It is life draining, a false sense of energy that only clouds ones clarity. This is a word of wisdom for almost all kids and adults, as life's pressures come, one has to garner the ability to see them, and not react, just let it pass and move onto the next shot. Whether it is something you deem to be on fair at work or on the court, you can dwell in it and react and get worked up, or let it pass and disregard the thoughts that come about it. On the court you have a match to play, there is no need to be caught up thinking about anything. The same is true about life. You just live and let the drama go.

There was no better example of this poise on and off the court then Ramina in the girls 14's. She reminds me of Sarah Toti's grace on the court. Here she came into Las Vegas, known for winning, took 4th at the SNOWBALL, always a top seed, and lost to Shauna Morgan in the main draw and then Simone Kalhorn in the back draw final. First it needs to be said, both these matches are extremely tough. No other draw was this deep. To have two great players like this in the back draw goes to show the kind of skill the girls 14's has in this town and in the intermountain. And that is without Super national champions Asia Muhammad and Krista Damico in the draw, or DUEL IN THE DESERT CHAMPION Sheryl Bon.

After each close loss, both ending with tie breakers, Ramina was graceful, almost delightful how she handled it. She may later churn and want another chance at the title, but in her face, I looked and was amazed at the lack of angst. Dignified she got her bag, came in and talk to her mom, said words to friends and there I saw a champion. Anyone can win like a champion, few can lose like a champion. And I guarantee this great attitude is not indifference, and you will see this girl who serves and volley's better then anyone in the 14's back stronger then ever. Sometimes a good close match loss is great. It keeps the fires burning. I never mind losing as it seems to expose weaknesses I enjoy eradicating.

Watching the matches Saturday was the always engaged Alex Zara, talking about each match up and the many players that constitute "VegasTennis."

Sheryl Bon, just a week after winning the DUEL IN THE DESERT, came and played the 18's winning the back draw. Sheryl is also a perfect example of having the right fight to the death attitude on the court while maintaining a decent and good natured attitude.

Jessica Carter, now training at the Weil Academy, and by Clark Hancock at Bloomington, faced off in the girls 16's finals and won it in two sets. Once again the whole family was by to support Jessica. Clark Hancock's other student, his son Wesley, was by far had the best singles results at the EASTER BOWL SUPER NATIONALS last week in the boys 16's. He reached the quarterfinals of the main draw and won another match in the back draw. That is a very big deal at the SUPER NATIONALS where the best 128 players from all over the country come to compete.

Kamran Linden and Kristofer Yee once again face off in what has always been a excellent rivalry. Linden, who took 2nd in the ClubSport Easter Challenge, won one of the back draws and Kristofer Yee took 2nd.

Maggie Yahner, one of the most hungry players on the court today had her usual performance of hustling down balls, one in particular when her opponent had a easy overhead put a way, and Yahner faked running to the other side to get her to hit to where she was at. Yahner then got the ball back into play and won the point. Perfect example of the intensity that should be an example to all players. Yahner won the girls 18's.

Carrie Schofield was in a back draw final of the girls 18's today and played some excellent tennis. In all the years I have seen her play she has always had excellent strokes, yet was unable to keep those hard hit balls as consistent as she played today. Against an opponents I have never seen, the two players had some amazing points, most notably was Sheffield's ability to combine pace and consistency. Scholfield today showed why she was last years state high school doubles champion. I did not see the final score, but irregardless of who won or lost, it was great tennis to end the tournament.

A highlight from my perspective was the excellent trophies that Rob Merriman came through with this year. This is a great tournament with a compass draw, guaranteeing many four matches. The trophy this year was indicative of the excellent level of play.

Patrick Kawka as usual, was fighting and scrapping, playing one key game in the first set for 30 minutes with atleast 30 duece add rounds. Finally he won the game, but McMasters showed tremendous mental strength to come back and win the set and the second set to take 1st for the boys 12's. Kakwa took 2nd.

In two weeks is last years LARGEST JUNIOR TOURNAMENT THE MOBILE MEDICAL SERVICES BALLY'S CUP. Sign up by calling Ryan at 822-1081.

GALYANS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AND SPORTS will again be giving all winners a free tennis racquet and runners up a tennis bag or apparel. NAKED JUICE COMPANY WILL be providing free NAKED JUICE. This tournament is one of three in the VegasTennis.com Junior tennis circuit sponsored by Jaldeep Daulat and the LAS VEGAS SKIN AND CANCER CENTERS. Each players gets one point per win and 1/2 point per loss in any of the three tournaments. The player with the most points at the end of the three tournaments wins a ALL EXPENSES PAID TRIP TO THE MERCEDES BENZ CUP.

BALTAS REPORT

By Julia Baltas.....VegasTennis.com reporter

4/2004

Easter Circuit, what does it mean?  It probably means to people or should I say to juniors like you and me, Hey, it's Vegas time.  Time to see the action, or it's time to WIN!!!

In the past couple of years, the Easter Circuit tournament has had a ton of winners.  A lot of juniors right now are thinking, "Hey, what does she mean?  There are losers too!"  Well not exactly.  If you can put 100% on the tennis court and fight every set, you are a true winner.  Also if you get beat 6-0; 6-0 and you tried to work points and you were a little nervous, that you are also a winner.

The one match that was the best I saw the whole tournament was Shauna Morgan, a local Las Vegas, Nevada resident vs. Romina Nedakovic, a Salt Lake City, Utah resident.  Morgan defeated Nedakovic in three sets.  The score was 4-6; 6-2; 7-6(7-5).

First set:
Nedakovic has a 4-1 lead, until she realized that this was her chance to close the set at 6-1.  All she had to do was lay more pressure on Morgan before she makes a come back.  Then Morgan his a few winners and than all of a sudden it is 4-3.  Nedakovic wins the next game so it is 5-3. All Nedakovic has to do is win the next game to win the set, but wait!  Morgan wins the next game, so the score is 5-4, After a few winners, Nedakovic wins the first set at 6-4.

Second set:
Morgan jumps to a 3-2 lead by attacking, being the agressor and coming into the net.  By the way Morgan is focused, you could not tell if she was winning or losing.  Then Morgan gets to a 5-2 lead.  The BIG question is, "Is she going to win this game and split sets, or is she going to get Nedakovic a chance for her to come back in the second set?"  Well if you guessed that she is going to win the game, you guessed right!  Morgan wins the second set 6-2.

Third set:
The points are getting tougher and more challenging because neither of them wants to lose.  Morgan has a 2-1 lead in the third set and than Nedakovic grabs her game back to make it 2-2.  During the set both players tie their games by pushing themselves to the limit.  Neither player is up by two or more games.  Morgan has a 5-4 lead and loses the game, then has a 6-5 game and loses the game, so next is the tiebreaker.  Morgan ends up with victory over Nedakovic.  7-5 in the third set tiebreaker.

A few days after the Easter Circuit I sat with Las Vegas, Nevada Easter Circuit finalist, Shauna Morgan for an interview.  JB - Julia Baltas, SM - Shauna Morgan

JB - How have you improved in the last six months?
SM - I have been getting stronger and developed more power in my strokes.  Also I have worked harder in my footwork so I can be quick on the court.
JB - What happened in the first set when you were down 4-1?
SM - I was nervous and I could not keep a ball in play.
JB - Then what were you doing right to get two games in a row?
SM - Making shots, hitting winners and attacking.
JB - Are you happy with the results in the tournament?
SM - Yes, I am happy.

There were at least nine girls in the 14's that I wanted to give credit for there hard work, dedication and those girls were fighters.
1.  Shauna Morgan
2.  Romina Nedakovic
3.  Elizabeth Marsico
4.  Simone Kalhorn
5.  Iesha James
6.  Alexis Garrett
7.  Melissa Cowles
8.  Tori Arneson
9.  Danielle Ingwaldson
These players are the ones I watched or played during the tournament.

Danielle Ingwaldson, a Las Vegas, Nevada resident competed in this tournament.  A few months ago, she would work hard for two sets and then she would lay down in the third set.  I mean it would be 6-0 in the third set.  She realized and told her father and her sisters, Danica and Danae, "I am not going to get blasted in the third set."  She also told them, "if I were to split sets in the Easter Circuit, I am either going to win the third set or I am going to lose it by making shots."  I interviewd Danielle to see what she would say. 
JB - Julia Baltas, DI - Danielle Ingwaldson

JB - How did you feel when you split sets with Melissa Cowles?
DI - I felt good because, I have never done well against her and I knew this was my chance to do well against her.
JB - What was your response in the second set by winning it at 6-4?
DI - It was that I was making shots with topspin and started moving my feet.
JB - Did you feel you were going to get blasted in the second set, because you lost the first set, 6-1?
DI - No, but if I was going to lose, I was going to lose my making shots.


                                                                                                              Julia Baltas
                                                                                        VegasTennis Junior Reporter