Day Two of the 2010 Jr. National Championships in Minneapolis, MN was another strong day for Team Oregon, as we head into the Day Three Quarterfinals with 13 of the 25 players in the Gold divisions. The Quarterfinals are the most nerve-racking for players and parents, as the losers of quarterfinal rounds are done.
In Boys 18, #1 seed Taylor Knoth continues to roll, and will face Trevor Snyders (IL) today. Dylan Reid had a strong match against Jade Hemiller (SD), winning a 15-5, 13-15, 11-3 tiebreaker match. Both players have similiar playing styles, and this was the fourth time they have squared off at Jr. Nationals. Dylan has now won three of those matches, with his lone loss coming in Portland in 2005. Dylan will take on hometown Minnesota favorite and #3 seed Jake Bredenbeck today at 5 pm.
Oregon's Josh Hungerford, Joel Barshaw, Jacob Boyle and John Lindsay all had tough matches on Sunday, and fell to the Blue round for Monday. Josh lost to his doubles partner Trevor Snyders, as Trevor was in top form. Joseph Lee (LA) took out Joel, but not without a tough fight from Joel. Jacob Boyle also gave it everything he has, as he always does, but Nick Montalbano (NY) had too many crisp pass shots and lots of different looks on the serve. John Lindsay played #2 seed Brad Kirch, who simply had too much firepower for John A fantastic showing for John, though, who is playing both Boys 16 and 18.
Kyle Lebow, Jeremy McGlothin, and Micah Hoffman are all playing strong in the Boys 18 Red division, and also head into the quarterfinals today. Kyle will play Max Niedermeier (WI) today in the quarters, and Jeremy will play Ethan Wadsworth. Micah Hoffman will have a very tough match against Tyler Lanman (CA), who is one of the top players in the Red division. James Hardy had a rough day, finishing on the down side of a 15-6, 15-9 match with Alex Korenic (WI), and was eliminated from Boys 18 play.
In Girls 18 play, Amanda Lindsay started out on fire, beating current World Champion Aubrey O'Brien (CA) 15-7 in game one. But Aubrey stepped it up in game two, and eventually outlasted Amanda 11-8 tiebreaker. A great showing by Amanda on the televised court !
In Boys 16, Sam Reid and Rick Charbonneau both survived tiebreaker matches to advance to the Gold quarterfinals today. Sam had a very slow start against his 2009 doubles partner, Nick Riffel (CO), losing the first game 15-7. Looked like Sam was in big trouble when he was behind 4-0 in the 2nd game, but then Sam gathered himself during a timeout, and got his mojo going, winning game two 15-5, and then dominating the tiebreaker 11-1. Rick Charbonneau played another tough Texas player Tyler Kendrick, and controlled the first game well at 15-10. Rick then somehow got out of playing his game in game two, losing 15-8. The tiebreaker was a back and forth battle, with Rick scratching out an impressive 11-9 victory. John Lindsay handled Mark Brower (OH) easily, and heads into the quarters against #2 seed Jose Diaz (CA). Ryan Charbonneau heads to the Blue division, after a rough 15-8, 7-15, 11-7 loss to Chase Robison (TX). Ryan will play Trevor Bukovi (NV) today.
In Boys 14 Gold, Josh Lebow and Connor Laffey are looking really, really strong. Josh cruised in his first match, earning a familiar spot in the quarterfinals today. Josh will play #2 seed Spencer Shoemaker. Connor Laffey was the pride of Team Oregon yesterday, earning himself some notoriety with a solid victory over hometown favorite and #4 seed Sam Bredenbeck. Connor has worked extremely hard at his game, and he's seeing the results of his hard work at this tournament. Today he takes on Alex Winter (NY), the #12 seed who upset the #5 seed yesterday. This will be an exciting day for both Josh and Connor !
In Boys 14 Red, Matthew Goolsby had a strong win versus Thomas Carter (PA) in the first round, before dropping his second match to #1 seed Adam Manilla and heading to the Red division. Matthew plays Robert Hemphill (AL) today. Steven Boyle plays Troy Warigon (MD) today, after a tough match yesterday against Jesse Mendoza (AZ).
The Girls 14 action starts today, with Hollee Hungerford taking on Ashley Boyle in a Team Oregon matchup, and Krystle Boyle takes on Danielle Falvey (WI).
In Girls 12, Lexi York is looking very sharp, winning her match on Saturday versus Christina Lavely (OH), and her Sunday Match against Jordan Cooperrider (FL), both matches in two games. Lexi takes on Hollie Scott (Bellingham, WA) today, in preparation for the big head to head match with #1 seed Erika Manilla on Tuesday. Go Lexi !!
In Boys 12 action, Wayne Antone played his usual strong game, winning 15-2, 15-4 versus Nick Godwod (WI). Wayne will square off today against #3 seed Jordan Barth (MN). This should be a very exciting match, as Barth edged out Wayne last year in the tiebreaker in Michigan. Go Wayne !
In Girls 10 action, Kaitlyn Boyle has played very strong, winning her first match against Graciana Wargo (FL), and then beating fellow Team Oregon player Lorianne Pepe. Kaitlyn is a strong contender to win Girls 10, and faces her toughest competitor Victoria Leon (CA) tomorrow.
Overall, Team Oregon is looking fantastic, and is poised to win our 17th team championship in the last 19 years. Go Team Oregon !!
Remember that matches are being televised on racquetballonline.tv website. Just register your e-mail address, and you can watch the matches on Court 2 for free !!