Women’s 40+ and 60+ Nationals coverage and Women’s Senior Rankings

The weather forecast was dire. The flu bug was hitting the area hard. By Wednesday morning, the draws had shrunk to a total of 50 pairs. Those who played enjoyed a great day of paddle, friendship, camaraderie, favors, food and fun – and mostly good weather.

In the 60-and-over tournament, Helen Garrett and Sandy Simmers won for the 4th time in a row (and 5th overall) and took their gold medals home to Virginia. Betsy Heidenberger and Jan Shelburne took the 40-and-over gold medals back to Maryland.

The new team of Louise Cash and Mary Fenton kept the 60+ silver medals in New Jersey, and Bobo Delaney and Tonia Mangan kept the 40+ silver in Region I.

Other winners include:
60+ 3rd Place – Ginny Sniatkowski & Ruth Weil;
60+ 4th Place – Winnie Hatch & Sharon Hummers;
60+ Consolation – Colleen Burns-Keenan & Birgit Maio defeated Christa Ruppert & Dolores Krzanowski;
60+ Last Chance – Betty Michinard & Alice Silkworth defeated Carol Browne & Jennifer Fischer.

40+ 5th Place – Nancy Budde & Susan Penney;
40+ 6th Place – Tina Kelly & Carol Powers;
40+ Reprieve – Ruth Alin Connors & Nancy Harwood defeated Darlene Finnegan & Dede O’Brien;
40+ Consolation – Karen Gruenberg & Trish Griggs defeated Lorraine Preziosi & Charann Claire;
40+ Last Chance – Lamia Beydoun & Debra LaMountain defeated Ann Delaney & Leigh Williams.

All participants received a sterling silver paddle charm necklace, which tournament director Marjorie Hodson had commissioned specifically for this event. The “familiar blue” bags were a hint that something silver was inside!

Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 9, Issue 5, May, 2008