It looks as if Maria heard the news that the 3.5 guys are out of the playoffs, or it could be that she just won Wimbledon.

There's always next year!

Heard that one before, huh? Rick's team lost in the mini-playoffs to a surprising Medina team. Three courts went to third set breakers and we didn't come through on two out of three.

Grey was awesome, losing the first set 4-6, coming back 6-1 in the second and prevailing in a tough, tough breaker. Wally and Joe won in straight sets, but we were unable to get the deciding court, losing 1st and third dubs in tiebreaks. All the guys battled but it was not to be. Afterward, the beer and the tears were flowing and there was that empty feeling of the season abruptly being over. Time to get back to the "just for fun" tennis.

A note from Teresa

Dear Tennis Guru(s)-- As some of us near the end of match play for this summer league season, there are others embarking on the nitty-gritty of league tennis--the mini-play-offs, to eventual NEOTA's, then hopefully to STATES (held here at River Oaks!). The fantastic showing of team camaraderie and heartful athleticism is nothing short of inspiring! I am especially fond of the River Oaks' teams, but all of the teams that have played at RORC have been great to watch! Good luck to those that are battling in play-offs and thanks to everyone for keeping us up to date via the "Tennis Guru" Newsletters!! A real stress-buster!! Teresa B Teresa Boylan Mytennispro@sbcglobal.net www.mytennispro.usptapro.com

Overheard in the Court room.....

Joe Pare smoked the opposition in the senior River Oaks golf outing. (see picture below). Will Salem is in love. Will we hear wedding bells soon? Stay tuned. Hank Harris has enlarged his list of partners he can't play with.(some Swedish guy?) Rogalski and Lancaster are planning a "mega" cookout. Margie has turned on the popcorn machine! (after some internet prodding.) Is Steve Beans looking for a spot on the senior team? He was seen lobbing returns in the last 4.5 match. Send your "overheard-in-the-court-room comments to guru at tennis.friends@gmail.com . We would like to make this a regular feature.

Seniors tie for 1st but loose on sets

Hank Harris awaits the serve as he and Chuck Buschert played a tough Mentor team on court one Thursday night. River Oaks won 2 - 1 with Joe Pare and Dick Lancaster cruzin on court two and Jay Hansar and Ron Wacker doing the same on court three. We end the season with an 8 -1 record to tie with Mayfield Village and North Ridge but did not have enough courts-won to move on to play-offs.

The Fat Lady Sings to Gallo's 3.5

Laaaaahhhhh. Gallo's 3.5 Team needed a match win last night to advance to the playoffs. Unfortunately, it ended with a close 3-2 loss to North Ridge. Gallo's Team ends the season finishing at 3rd place in their flight. A FAT thank you goes out to Pete Gallo for doing a great job as the team captain. And, as the famous saying goes in Cleveland sports, there is always next year!

Good Guys lose to Mayfield Village, Maria pleased with first place finish!

Rick's 3.5 team lost 1-4 last night to a determined Mayfield Village team. The bright spot was Sam, who won his fourth straight match at first singles beating a tough opponent in a third set breaker. Everyone else played well but a victory was not to be. The guys will now get ready for the first round playoff qualifier vs. Medina High School next Wednesday at River Oaks. It's all good because Maria is smiling and the Courtroom had popcorn lastnight. Congratulations to all tennis friends on a fun season and good luck in the playoffs!