NY Sportimes Win in Boston in Dramatic Fashion

July 9, 2010 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
NY_Sporttimes_Logo_0

In a thrilling, come from behind victory, the New York Sportimes defeated the Boston Lobsters on Thursday night in Boston in World TeamTennis action. The Sportimes were able to avenge a home loss to the Lobsters on Wednesday night.

Abigail Spears and Robert Kendrick got the Sportimes off to a good start by winning their mixed-doubles match against Racquel Kops-Jones and James Blake, 5-3. Things continued looking up for the Sportimes, as Spears was able to hold off Coco Vandeweghe in their women’s singles match, 5-4. The win kept Spears undefeated in singles play on the season, currently riding a 4-0 win streak.

The Lobsters star player James Blake made things a bit closer with a 5-4 win over Robert Kendrick in men’s singles. At this point, the Sportimes held a 14-12 overall games lead. In the night’s fourth match, Coco Vandeweghe and Racquel Kops-Jones gave the Lobsters the lead by defeating Ashley Harkelroad and Abigail Spears, 5-1. The win put the Lobsters ahead 17-15 in overall games.

With one match to play (men’s doubles), the Sportimes were in need of at least a two-game victory to keep their hopes alive. This wouldn’t be an easy task to accomplish, as James Blake & Eric Butorac stood in the Sportimes way. They had defeated the Sportimes men’s doubles team of Robert Kendrick & Jesse Witten the night earlier, but this time, Kendrick & Witten rose to the challenge. Kendrick and Witten prevailed by a 5-3 margin which evened the match at 20-20. In World TeamTennis, this means a super tie-breaker would determine the winner. In the super tie-break (which is the first one to seven points wins) Kendrick & Witten defeated Blake & Butorac, 7-6. The match came down to the final point and the Sportimes were able to pull it out … just one of the many exciting twists of the World TeamTennis format.

The Sportimes improved their record to 3-1 on the 2010 season. The Sportimes next match will take place Sunday afternoon, July 11 at 4:00 at Sportime Stadium at Randall’s Island when the Sportimes welcome the Philadelphia Freedoms.

For more information, visit www.nysportimes.com.
 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Century
Century

March/April 2024 Digital Edition