Mixed and Husband & Wife Nationals in Cleveland, OH

Ohlmuller & Johnson Defeat Main & Caldwell in Three-Set Finalin the Mixed

Marina Ohlmuller and Mark Johnson teamed up for their first run at the APTA Mixed Nationals, and after an amazing three-set final against Aila Main and David Caldwell, they emerged victorious, 6-7, 6-0, 7-5. There were big momentum swings in the match, as is often the case with paddle, and in the third set they were at one point down 3-0, 40-love with the other team serving. The match was marked with steady play by Marina and Aila, while dazzling displays of athleticism from Mark and David enthralled the spectators.

This is Marina’s third national title. She and husband David won the Husband/Wife Nationals in 2003 and 2005. Its Johnson’s first.

Props Outlast LeFevres for APTA Husband-Wife Title

The unseeded team of Heather and Vince Prop won the 2010 APTA Husband-Wife National championship, defeating Jessica and Nathan LeFevre. They came back from a first set loss to triumph in an exciting three setter 3-6, 7-5, 7-5.

The Props fittingly won in their home state of Ohio. Heather is ranked 2nd in women’s play with long time partner Lynn Schneebeck, and is now part of the #1 ranked husband and wife team. The Props beat perennial contenders and two time finalists Sandra and Fritz Odenbach in the semis while the LeFevres defeated local Cleveland team Debbie and Marc Duvin.

The rain held out, and the sun peeked through a few times during the day, allowing the competitors to don their tournament favors-Maui Jim sunglasses.