2002 Tournament News Archive
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Slamming Sasha
By: Alana Marcu
August 11, 2002

San Jose, CA - With one deep drive to Whitney Deason’s forehand corner, and one flick of the wrist over a high bouncing overhead lost in the sun, Alexandra Podkolzina of Concord, CA, nailed her spot in the main draw of the 2002 Women’s US Open, as she slammed the first of two championship points down for a winner.

The 2002 Girls’ 18 Super National Hard Court Champion was nothing but smiles as she crossed the net to shake opponent, Deason’s hand after closing out her final third set match of the tournament. "I’m so happy I won," Podkolzina said, "My goal of the year was to make it to the US Open and I did…I am so happy."

Happy she should be, as the lanky Russian pulled out nothing but her toughest tennis to tear through top seeds such as Iris Ichim, Tanner Cochran, Jessica Kirkland, and finally Whitney Deason.

When asked about her preparation for this tournament, Podkolzina said, "I focused on fitness before coming here…a lot of fitness. I ran uphill a lot." And that uphill running sure came in handy for the five of seven three-setters she managed to pull out in this tournament.

Though dejected, and obviously feeling the brunt of a loss after the final match, Houston’s Whitney Deason still seemed pleased with herself and was able to acknowledge a successful tournament. She said, "I beat some good players here and I look forward to playing the International Grass Courts next in Philadelphia and then the juniors of the US Open." We send her off with nothing but the best of luck.

As for Ms. Sasha Podkolzina, more practice matches and drills certainly loom over her for the near future as she now has her full focus set on the Big Apple. She said, "I’m going to go back and train against the NorCal guy tennis players and, of course, run uphill…Last year I lost in the first round of the juniors to the girl who won it, Svetlana Kouznetsova…I need to get ready for this year."

So, as Alexandra Podkolzina heads back to Concord for the next three weeks to tweak her already fine-tuned and refined game, we head back to the headquarters where we’ll break down boxes, pack office supplies, and old draw sheets for next year’s tourney before heading home where we’ll have a chance to reflect on all the great things and great tennis we’ve seen this week. Then it’s off to New York for final bang of the year. Hope to see you there!

Thank you to all the players who made the tournament so much fun to write about. Through your tennis, you not only brought life to the Club, you brought life to the stories! And, an extra special thank you to everyone who helped run the Girls’ 18 Super National Hard Court Tournament…you guys not only brought smiles, you brought the sunshine everyday.

Until next year,

Alana

Seven Years Later
By: Alana Marcu
August 10, 2002

San Jose, CA—It’s been seven years since Northern Californians saw, Brie Rippner, one of their own in the final of the Girls’ 18 Super National Hard Court Championship. It’s been seven years since Northern Californians have had a chance to flock to the National tennis site in San Jose, to cheer with genuine fervor and zeal for a local girl, but today, August 11, 2002, starting at 10 am, they may cheer Alexandra Podkolzina, of Concord, CA, all the way to NY for a spot in the main draw of the US Open, as she takes to the court against Whitney Deason of Houston, TX.

No one said the road to the final would be easy for seventh seed Podkolzina, as four out of her six matches have been pushed to the maximum of three sets. But anyone who has been around the Almaden Valley Athletic Club for the past week can attest to the fact that Podkolzina’s has had nothing but support from the crowd to pull her out of those rough patches and speed bumps. Screams of "Let’s Go Sasha!" or "Right here Sasha!" resonated all over the tennis courts for the Russian-born tennis player. And they’ll certainly be in full-effect today as she matches up against Deason for the fifth time in the past year.

This is no foreign position for Podkolzina and Deason as they found themselves in the same spot last year at the Girls’ 16 Super National Hard Court Championship where Podkolzina won. However, this year is a different story since the two have recently exchanged wins with one another.

First, the two faced off in the 2002 Easter Bowl consolation semi-final. Deason seemed to have the edge that day as she won in a gritty third set tie-breaker, 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (2).

Their next meeting came earlier this summer in the finals of the Clay Courts. Podkolzina took her sweet revenge against Deason in a decisive two-set final, 6-2, 7-5, tying up their head to head record for 2002 at one apiece.

For the first time at the Super National, the final day has been dedicated to single match play only as No. 1 seeds, Kristen Schlukebir and Tanner Cochran won over No. 2 seeds, Carly Gullickson and Jamea Jackson, in a well-played, quick-reflexed three-setter, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.

Not only will the 2002 Hard Court Champion be decided today, but so will third and fourth places, between No. 5 seed Jamea Jackson and No. 11 seed Jessica Kirkland, as well as fifth and sixth places between Theresa Logar (6) and Carly Gullickson (3).

As Podkolzina brings her big serve and deceptive hands to center court today, Deason comes loaded with her powerfully piercing groundstrokes and put away volleys.

Last week, 192 of the nation’s best came determined to win. One week later, all that’s left are two equally solid games, two exciting, intense players, and one ticket to New York.

Upset City
By: Alana Marcu
August 9, 2002

San Jose, CA—Upsets seemed to be the theme of the day around the Almaden Valley Athletic Club as seeds 1-4 went down a blazing a trail in the quarterfinal round of the Girls’ 18 Super National Hard Court Championship.

Something about court three just didn’t agree with no. 1 and 2 seeds, Tanner Cochran and Kristen Schlukebir as they each plummeted in two speedy sets.

The Georgian Peach, Cochran, wasn’t feeling so sweet as she sprayed ball after ball well passed the service line or hammered it into the bottom of the net in yesterday’s quarterfinal match up. NorCal’s own Clay Court National Champion and number 7 seed, Alexandra Podkolzina disposed of her 6-0, 6-1. As Cochran’s hip injury haunted her throughout the match, Podkolzina stepped her game up a level by mixing in deep, penetrating groundstrokes with soft, well-disguised drop shots at key points in the match. Podkolzina faces Jessica Kirkland, of Dayton, Ohio, who is this year’s Easter Bowl Champion, in the semi-finals today. Kirkland, the eleventh seed easily took down number four, Tory Zawacki, 6-3, 6-1.

In other quarterfinal action, second seed Kristen Schlukebir, of Kalamazoo, MI, found herself one set and one break down to number 9 seed, Whitney Deason of Houston, TX, before pulling out a couple of big serves and controlling forehands to send the second set to a tie-breaker. The two traded long rallies and mini breaks, but it was Deason who finally won the necessary seventh point to close out the match as Schlukebir sailed yet another forehand long. The final score: 6-3, 7-6 (5)

Number five seed, Jamea Jackson, ousted double’s partner and number three seed, Carly Gullickson. Gullickson’s crafty volleys and solid serves simply could not defy Jackson’s nimbleness or roaring passing shots. Jackson won, 6-1, 6-4 and looks to play Deason in the bottom semi-final today.

With the double’s final set between no. 1 seeds, Tanner Cochran and Kristen Schlukebir and no. 2 seeds, Jamea Jackson and Carly Gullickson and two surprising semi-final singles matches scheduled for today, there’s no telling what direction this tournament will go in next. But one thing’s for sure, New York City is where it ends, and that energy has already hit San Jose.

Unpredictable
By: Alana Marcu
August 8, 2002

San Jose, CA—Day five of the Girls’ 18 Super National Hard Court Championship brought both scorching temperatures and smooth breezes to the Almaden Valley Athletic Club as the final 16 geared up for the last batch of matches.

The red line on the newly bought thermometer continued to climb towards 100 degrees on the court but the remaining seeds seemed oblivious to such technicalities as most sailed through their Round of 16 matches unaffected and unimpressed with the heat.

No. 1 seed Tanner Cochran redeemed herself after yesterday’s speed bump by dropping only one game to tenth seed, Christian Thompson.

The other half of the Thompson duo, Catrina, mimicked her twin by falling to no. 5 seed Jamea Jackson, 6-0, 6-0. Jackson’s silky strokes, and feather-like footwork shone brightly as the sun beat down on the red and green concrete.

NorCal girl and No. 7 seed, Alexandra Podkolzina encountered the most difficulty as she mustered out another three-setter against the thirteenth seeded Romanian bombshell, Iris Ichim (pronounced Ikeem), 6-2, 1-6, 6-0.

Unfortunately, Cupertino cutie, Lejla Hodzic, couldn’t out steady no. 2 seed, Kristen Schlukebir who defined consistency on the hottest day yet. Hodzic lost, 6-3, 6-2.

But perhaps the real stir of the day came from the depths of the back draw where thirteen-year old, Andrea Remynse, of Battle Creek, MI, rallied back from a 6-1, 5-2 double match point deficit against Cassy Fabiani of Corte Madera, CA, to win 1-6, 7-6 (8), 6-4. Talk about being unaffected! Not only did Remynse pull out the match of the day, she bounced back to win her next round against Emily Mowery of Bradenton, FL, in an effortless two-setter, 6-2, 6-0. The youngster now takes on the Transylvanian threat, Iris Ichim.

At this point, everything is a toss up: weather, upsets, comebacks, and most importantly, the one wild card to the US Open! Only three more days left until it’s all decided.

Sunrise to Sunset
by Alana Marcu
August 7, 2002

San Jose, CA—We knew it’d be a long one as we watched the sun ascend over the distant mountains at 6 am Wednesday morning. Standing on the first viewing deck over the neatly swept tennis courts at the Almaden Valley Athletic Club, numbed toes, teeth chattering, bodies shivering, and red fleece blanket nearby, we prepared for an interview by NBC’s extremely early show. Players warmed up in the background as reporter Christine Nubla, questioned co-directors Jennifer Pitzen and Andrea Norman on the national tourney and locals, who caught the broadcast live, soon filed in to catch some of the action for themselves.

The interview served as a perfect segway into the most important event of the tournament, Kids’ Day in which over 100 inner city children from the San Jose area ranging from ages 7-14 came to watch some high quality tennis. They received free t-shirts donated by the college coaches, but best of all, they received a warm welcome and signatures from our country’s best.

As Kids’ Day came to an end, the excitement of the day came to a boil. No. 1 seed, Tanner Cochran was pushed to a third set in the round of 32, local standout from Cupertino, Lejla Hodjic breezed through yet another match, and non-seed Catrina Thompson (of the Thompson Twin Tandem) disarmed yet another seed in a third set tiebreaker, which makes her the only unseeded player left in the main draw.

Alpha seed, Melissa Applebaum of Coral Gables, FL, tested Georgia’s Peach, Tanner Cochran. After losing the first set 6-3, Applebaum decided to even out the score by swiping the second set in a similar fashion, 6-3. However, this would only be a minor setback for the No. 1 seed, despite being plagued by hip injury. Cochran prevailed in the third set, winning it 6-1. Cochran faces, no. 10 seed Christian Thompson in the round of 16.

Local girl and alpha seed, Lejla Hodzic, has not dropped a set as she continues to cruise through the draw. She handled no. 16 seed, Natalie Frazier of Riverdale, GA, in a cool two sets, 6-4, 6-4. Hodzic meets no. 2 seed, Kristen Schlukebir of Kalamazoo, MI, in the next round. Schlukebir has yet to lose a set as well.

But perhaps the upset of the day came to us, once again, from Catrina Thompson who beat alpha seed Riza Zalameda of Los Angeles, CA, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2). Catrina Thompson trudges forward as she dukes it out with no. 5 seed Jamea Jackson today.

Just as we saw the sunrise from that first viewing deck over the courts, we saw the sunset as the final match finished past 9:00 pm and we were finally able to go home to catch up on our sleep as we anticipate another day full of thrills and spills.

Never A Dull Moment
By: Alana Marcu
August 6, 2002

San Jose, CA—It’s the middle of the week. The weekend’s almost here but it can still seem like it’s miles away and things are at a standstill right? Maybe in most places but not at the Almaden Valley Athletic Club in San Jose, CA, where the plot thickens more and more each day as seeds continue to drop, a college player is knocked out of the draw, one girl beats her own double’s partner, and kid’s day is finally here. Oh, and did I mention that NBC has decided to drop by to do a live morning show segment on the tournament?

Yesterday’s lineup showcased over 115 singles matches. Most went as expected, however, a couple of upsets managed to creep into the day’s repertoire.

Cristina Visico of Long Beach, CA, handled alpha seed Megan Levy of Monroe, MI, with ease, as she swept through her third round match in a convincing two-setter, 6-4, 6-3. Monica Wiesner of Calabasas, CA, did the same as she torpedoed through alpha seed opponent Jessi Robinson of Lewes, DE, 6-2, 6-2.

But perhaps the most bitter-sweet victory came to Cassy Fabiani of Corte Madera, CA, who struck down alpha seed and double’s partner, Preethi Mukundan, of Folsom, CA, in a teeth-clenching, heart-breaking three-setter, filled with gritty grunts and line painting passing shots. Fabiani won, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.

Also, going down in yesterday’s blend was Southern California’s own, Harvard sophomore, Susanna Lingman of Irvine. Lingman scrapped away at alpha seed, Alexandra Hirsch of Atlanta, GA, before bowing in two sets, 7-6 (4), 6-4.

As the field narrows and the competition advances, NBC crews come to our little Super National here in San Jose, to show the best of the best in the midst of action as well as a small preview of all the madness that goes on behind the Girls’ 18 Hard Court Championship. This will also include a sneak peek of Kids’ Day, which will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 7.

Kids’ Day gives over 100 inner city children from the San Jose area an opportunity to learn about the wonderful sport of tennis through a quick briefing and a chance to watch the girls battle it out on the court.

An autograph session with the national players will follow the viewing and so will more upsets and more bizarre stories on Day four of the Girls’ 18 Super National Hard Court Championship.

Sisterly Love and Strong Winds
August 5, 2002

San Jose, CA—Strong winds, sisterly love, and two upsets set the mood at the Almaden Valley Athletic Club on Day two of the Girls’ 18 Super National Hard Court Championship.

Wind chimes clanged fiercely in the distance, balls sprayed over fences, screeching sounds of sneakers came to abrupt stops and the rhythmic grunting of the girls pounding the tiny fuzzies off tennis balls infiltrated the ears of every member at the club. Not only did day two provide more obstacles for our nation’s best, it provided more excitement for those watching, and a chance for twin sisters to steal the spotlight.

While nature seemed to punish alpha seed Kendra Strohm of Tucson, AZ, who fell to Amanda Fish of Scituate, MA, 6-0, 2-6, 6-1, it served as a blessing to Catrina Thompson of Las Vegas, NV. Not only did Thompson knock out no. 15 seed Alexandra McGoodwin of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in a hard fought three setter, 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, she continued her streak for the day with twin sister Christian by plowing through two rounds of doubles.

Falling first to the twin tandem were partners Marianne Baker of Glenelg, MD, and Katelyn Bevard of Mclean, VA, 7-5, 6-0.

Next victims for the Thompson twins were another pair of sisters straight from Hawaii—Janalle and Kimberly Kaloi. Though their efforts valiant, their results futile as they fell by a disheartening score of 6-2, 6-1.

With one day off from doubles, the Thompson terrors will take to the court on Wedensday, August 7, 2002, with a fresh outlook and chance to knock off alpha seeds Caitlin Collins and Frances Deason. But until then, it’s strictly singles at the Almaden Valley Athletic Club. In other words, over 115 matches for Day 3 of the Super National!

Day 1 - Wrap Up
By: Alana Marcu
August 4, 2002

San Jose, CA—The Golden Girls are off to a good start at the Almaden Valley Athletic Club in San Jose, CA. Day one of the Girls’ 18 Super National Hard Court Championship left 35 of the 43 California girls still in the running for that one wild card into the main draw of the US Open including five local standouts.

Tiffany Lee of San Jose, received a bye in the first round as did Ashley Lipton of Saratoga, and Lejla Hodzic of Cupertino. First round for these San Jose natives begin today at 8 am sharp.

Alexandra Borowicz of Santa Rosa, dismantled Anna Lask of Louisville, KY, 6-2, 7-6 (7-2), while Saskia Nauenberg of Santa Cruz, pounced Alessandra Pedergnana of Hollis, NY, 6-0, 6-0.

The first half of doubles took to the court as well yesterday with no big upsets or surprises.

As Day 2 of play begins, the much-anticipated seeds buckle down and prepare to compete. In one week one winner will be decided. In one week all the chaos will be over, and in one-week one girl will be New York bound to play with the big guns. But until then, we watch eagerly and secretly root for our favorites in the mix.

Opening Day Frenzy
By: Alana Marcu
August 4, 2002

San Jose, CA—As the sun set by the poolside, the steady clamor of 192 girls giggling and chattering away through mouthfuls of baked potato, barbeque ribs, and garlic bread coated the Almaden Valley Athletic Club on Saturday, August 3, 2002, bringing the first official day of the National Hard Court Championship to a leisurely close after a hectic start.

The frenzy of registration and the college coaches’ forum, however, could not shake the nerves of the small army of over 200 volunteers who helped keep the order throughout opening day. As the constant stream of parents, participants, coaches, and members poured in, so did supplies, meals, drinks, and refreshments.

At 10:30 am, the college coaches’ forum kicked off. Some girls had already lined up in front of the Open Bible Church anxiously awaiting their nametags and a chance to meet with coaches from across the nation. Others made their way to the courts for a good practice session before wandering into the forum. And a bunch cluttered the headquarter room with their bulky tennis bags as they filled out questionnaires, registered themselves into the tournament, and intently studied the freshly posted draw sheet.

But none other than the President of USTA himself, Mr. Merv Heller, brought on the highlight of Registration Day. For the second year in a row, Heller made his guest appearance at the tourney. Aside from the usual mingling with important USTA officials, President Heller showed his grit and support for the Girls’ 18 National Championship by helping with the breakdown and cleanup of the day’s events before heading off to Kalamazoo, MI, tomorrow for the Boys’ 16 and 18 National Championship. Though his stay pithy, his help was immensely appreciated and served as a great kick off to a full week of high-spirited, fun-filled matches under the hot San Jose sun.

College Coaches' Forum
By: Alana Marcu
August 3, 2002

San Jose, CA—Put on your best, have those player records nearby, and get ready for some serious hand shaking because beginning at 10:30 am sharp, today August 3^rd, is the nerve-wracking, fingernail-biting, college coach’s forum. Coaches from over 50 schools across the nation have traveled to the Almaden Valley Athletic Club in San Jose to match a familiar name off a ranking list, letter, or e-mail to face and playing style: Sort of like an open-house/job interview.

The forum operates simply and systematically if you know what to expect. Coaches are stationed next to one another at long rows of tables masked beneath deep blue linens. In front of each coach lies a plaque containing the name of his or her respective school. Media guides and brochures also adorn the vibrant tablecloths for all those interested. And coaches are found either chattering away with a prospective or waiting patiently as they eye the suspect onlookers.

The girls, however, walk in and out of the labyrinth of tables with their own agenda in mind. Some may know where they would like to start and they head straight for a specific coach while others flutter around indecisively and timidly wondering where they should go.

This is where the recruiting process takes on a shape. A recruiting visit is no longer spoken of as a distant thought or possibility; it becomes a set date at this tournament. After the Clay Court Super National, most girls already have gone through this drill of the college coach’s forum so they already know what to expect. No matter where you turn within the maze though, that word that’s on everyone’s mind rings sharply in your ear: "scholarship." How many? How much? Who wants it? Who will get it? Will they sign early for it? Beating around the bush won’t cut it anymore.

Sure, grit and determination in their purest forms take to the courts here in San Jose for the next week but today they take to the Open Bible Church just behind the Almaden Valley Athletic Club.

A Check List for Hard Courts
by Alana Marcu
August 1, 2002

San Jose, CA—Pack the sun block. Pack the water jug. Pack that extra tennis skirt. Pack the spare set of strings your coach is always nagging you to bring, and most importantly, pack that fun spirit and game face of yours because believe it or not girls, National Hard Courts are only four days away!

Those veterans returning to the Almaden Valley Athletic Club may remember the surge of energy and excitement associated with this prestigious tournament. But for those first-timers making the trek to sunny, San Jose, here’s a few tips to prepare you for the busy week ahead:

1. Don’t even think of running late or cheating! If in doubt of a start time or location, check and then double check. This isn’t some country club event going on, not with Arline Stepovich as the head ref. Besides being the fairest umpire around, Stepovich is also the toughest. After 23 years of experience, trust me girls, she’s heard it all!

2. If you see a woman with medium length, light brown, straight hair running around in tournament committee apparel while talking on a Motorola cellular phone as she holds her continuously buzzing walkie talkie and she is constantly putting food out for players, parents, coaches, and volunteers to enjoy, don’t be frightened…(take a breath after that sentence)…It’s just Jen Pitzen, co-director of the tournament. She’s used to the craziness of nationals and is willing to help you with any questions or problems you may encounter at this grand event. Remember that she’s on your side. And so is the other half of the operation, Andrea Norman who is almost never visible at the start of the tournament. She’s too busy hiding out behind the mirrored doors, tirelessly updating the ever-changing draws.

3. Now, if you see a man with dark brown, short, wavy hair and a brown moustache, lurking amongst the din, BE AFRAID! That’s Mr. Webmaster, himself, Steve. He’s in charge of everything that goes on this highly hit website. From draws, to results, to articles and pictures, you name it; he’s in charge of it. So, be careful about what you say or do when you’re at AVAC…the Webmaster strikes in stealthy ways!

Most of all as corny or cliché as this may sound, have fun! Make all those exhausting hours of match play and practice worth it as you prepare to showcase your tennis skills in front of an interested and excited audience of coaches, parents, members, and volunteers. You girls are the top 192 junior tennis players in the nation, so pack your bags, check those racquets, and get ready to embrace the spotlight…this tournament’s for you!