Season/Playoff Recap:
Frosty Hollow Freeze
The Frosty Hollow Freeze came into the USTA Men's 4.0 League as an expansion team in 2014. In 2014, they finished with a 7-3 record and fell shy of the playoffs. In 2015, the Frosty Hollow Freeze had a regular season record of 9-1 and, for the first time in franchise history, they made the Philadelphia District Playoffs. They finished the playoffs with a 1-2 record where they competed against team Easy Killer, Philly Phighters, and bitter division rival, Penn State. There was a ton of great tennis action played during the season and the intensity was big time in the playoffs.
The Frosty Hollow Freeze were undefeated at home all season posting 5 victories and only dropping one game on the road all year. They went 5-0 at home and 4-1 on the road. This team certainly likes to play in front of their home crowd. The Frosty Hollow Freeze crowd was into it all season at home and even carried that on the road where they usually outdid the other team’s rowdy crowds.
The Frosty Hollow Freeze had a fantastic season. They made the playoffs and the excitement was soaring around town. This Freeze team had great camaraderie and that is one thing that set this team apart from many teams in the league. There were fans with posters and big Freeze cheering crowds for the playoffs. There are many fans and media around town that say the Frosty Hollow Freeze froze up in the playoffs and did not perform to the best of their abilities. In saying that, the Freeze team learned a valuable experience and got a big taste of what the playoffs are all about. Maybe next year they could use what they learned to go farther into the playoffs. The playoffs are different then the regular season, with the intensity at an all-time high and with everything riding on every point. The ambiance and atmosphere is absolutely different from the regular season and it is superb that the Freeze team got this valuable experience.
The fans and media do not think anyone should be thrilled with how the playoffs went. You could expect many of the Freeze players to be working hard in the off-season at the gym and on the friendly tennis courts to get ready for the 2016 season. If the Frosty Hollow Freeze want to be sipping from the trophy, they are going to have to put in the work and keep a team-first mentality. The goal is to win.
The media spoke with some of the Frosty Hollow Freeze after the playoffs to get their take on the team and the 2015 USTA season/playoffs:
"I enjoyed playing this season with the Frosty Hollow Freeze, even though my record was my personal worst
in more than 15 years. The fact that we all know each other for a very long time makes this a unique team.
This is the 3rd different USTA team I have been a part of and the chemistry between our players is
definitely unique. I think the season overall was a successful one, primarily because we went farther
in the season compared to our inaugural season. Of course, this sets the goal a bit higher for us for next year.
I like the fact that the team stuck together and practiced/played together in the winter. I was unlucky to miss
all that due to 2 big injuries I was recovering from. I hope to practice with the team this upcoming winter.
I do believe that if we play more matches and practice more until next season, we should be able to take our
record one step further. Compared to last year, we were more of a team this year and acted as one cohesive
unit as opposed to individual players. I think we can continue to focus more on team and individual strategies
next year and optimize our roster based on the opponents each week. We definitely did that better than
last year, so I can say that the “team” is maturing. I think we are starting to establish our presence in the
division and make a name for ourselves. I don’t think any other team likes to see us in the schedule, because
they know it will be a day of tough competition. Lastly, I would like to thank Nadine and
Heather for their management and motivation. I’m looking forward to upcoming seasons." –Hakan Uluturk
"It was a great season in which I really enjoyed my time with the team. A bunch of really good people
and good times. I played ok most of the season but had three really disappointing matches which I'm
a little ashamed about. I will be spending the winter getting conditioned for next year." –Ian Blackman
"I think we just did not play enough leading up to these matches. We did not lose due to
lack of effort....." –Bob Hawley
"Congrats to all on a good season. Nadine, thanks so much for organizing everything.
I really enjoyed it." –Dave Kniaz
"Great season with great friends." –John Sisti
“A fun season and a competitive playoff run." –Mark Shaffer
"A team filled with great people. We had a great season. Definitely not satisfied with how the
playoffs went for our team and want to work hard in the offseason to be ready for next season.
It was a fun season and I look forward to an even better season/playoffs next year." -Lance Shaffer
"It was a great season and everyone played well. I am glad to be part of the Freeze." –Carlos Araujo
"Great season." –Ken Patterson
"It was a good season." –Bill Burger
“Great year! I had a blast cheering on this amazing team. I saw how hard each and every one
of the players played. We have a great record to be proud of. It was tough to watch us lose at the
end because I know how much effort the team put in. I look forward to seeing the same fire and
determination next year when we raise the trophy.” –Heather (Media)
"A congratulations on an awesome season. Every person on the team contributed. I think we have
more camaraderie on this team, than any other team. Everyone worked together, backed each other,
and wanted everyone to succeed. I think when you have that within a team, you have a great thing.”
We finished the regular season 9-1. We made the playoffs in our 2nd year and won a playoff
match against tough talent. We have made it farther each season and it would be excellent if we go
farther next year. I want to thank everyone for a great season and everyone's full commitment to
winning and more importantly, 'the team concept'. You are all great team players!" –Nadine (Captain)
The Frosty Hollow Freeze team has great solidarity and act as a true unit. They cheer on each other during matches and all want each other to succeed.
The Frosty Hollow Freeze are led by Captain Nadine Shaffer. The Head of Media is Heather. The players include Carlos Araujo, Mike Bell, Ian Blackman, Bill Burger, Bob Hawley, Dave Kniaz, Ashish Patel, Ken Patterson, Mark Patton, Lance Shaffer, Mark Shaffer, John Sisti, Joey Sunga, Hakan Uluturk, and Serkan Uluturk. This Frosty Hollow Freeze team is entertaining!
The Frosty Hollow Freeze are going to occupy themselves with hard work in the offseason on the playing courts and in the gym. Their objective is to get back to the playoffs, and win the District Championship, Sectional Championship, and then the National Championship. The bar is set high, but this team could do it! The table is set for 2016 season, and it's up to the captain and players to put in the work to be crowned champions! The Frosty Hollow Freeze are excited for the 2016 Season.
There are some legends that are told. Some turn to dust or to gold, but you will remember the Freeze for centuries; And just one mistake, is all it will take, we'll go down in history, remember the Freeze for centuries.
Hey, Go Freeze Go!
