Playoff Game Recap:

Easy Killer vs. Frosty Hollow Freeze (July 10th)

 

 

            It is the USTA Playoffs at the Philadelphia Area District Championships. The team, Easy Killer, took on the Frosty Hollow Freeze on a scorching hot afternoon affair.  Before the match, the Frosty Hollow Freeze players were amped up and ready for the playoffs.  It was a professional venue with officials and umpires on duty.  With the biggest crowd on hand of the year, Easy Killer defeated the Frosty Hollow Freeze in an intense playoff ride.  The final score was 3-2 but could have went either way.  There were tons of fans from both teams yelling and cheering with many points.  There were fans who were set-up court-side behind the fences which were great seats for this match.  Even the fans who were set-up in the nose bleed seats enjoyed the match and were engaged in watching fantastic full blown action tennis.  There were posters present and it was a great playoff atmosphere.  It was a beautiful day for playoff tennis and the players gave the crowd what they wanted with hard hitting and no quit action.

 

            The Frosty Hollow Freeze made history today by entering the USTA Playoffs for the first time in their franchise.  They had a great season and now have the opportunity to play for the big prize.  The first official Frosty Hollow Freeze playoff lineup was filled by Ian Blackman and Joey Sunga for Singles.  For Doubles it was Bob Hawley/Dave Kniaz, Mike Bell/Ken Patterson, and Lance Shaffer/Mark Shaffer.  The white Frosty Hollow Freeze uniforms were soaked after the match from sweat and drinks.  It was like a sauna on the courts but no players quit and they pushed until the match was finished.

 

            On a Doubles court that featured Bob Hawley and Dave Kniaz, the players were working hard and a had a long draining match.  It went to the deciding 3rd set tie break where big serves and high-quality net play were available.  Bob commented after the match and said, "No talky talky.  There had to be a winner and there had to be a loser.  Today we were the losers.  They played well."  This was a tossup. 

 

            Another Doubles court was with Mike Bell and Ken Patterson.  Both Mike and Ken, who are big and tall, were parked in front of the net all afternoon and had good points there.  Mike Bell commented, "Very inconsistent.  We didn't take advantage of the weaker server until we were already losing."  Both players worked extremely hard and made it tough on their opponents. 

 

            On the Singles court with Ian Blackman, the points were done in a hurry when Ian swung his forehand.  Ian won his court and scored for the team.  Ian needed a bathroom break during the match.  While Ian was walking to the bathroom, he commented, "I am barely winning.  I feel like I'm 5 years old, asking to use the bathroom."  The USTA playoff rules are very strict.  After the match, Ian spoke with the media.  Ian stated, "This weather isn't for me.  I cramped up.  I drank alot of water and had to pee."  Ian provided a great effort today and was successful during the match.

 

            On another Doubles court, Lance Shaffer and Mark Shaffer were bringing the heat on this hot day.  After dropping the first set, Lance and Mark who are nicknamed 'The Grinders' grinded out a win.  Lance and Mark were forceful in front of the net and it played a big role with their success.  They took over in the second set and then finished their opponents off in the 3rd set tie breaker.  When talking to the media, Mark Shaffer stated, "I liked our game today.  After a slow start, we finished strong."  When Lance Shaffer was asked by the media if they could use this momentum for the next playoff match he answered, "I don't believe in momentum in the playoffs.  Every game is different and has a different story.  We need to stay focused and keep working hard towards our goal."  He also went on to say, "It's fun to play in playoff matches with our great fans cheering for us.  It really gets us going." 

 

            Joey Sunga had a long bout with his opponent.  Joey played a great match and did not give up.  He gave everything he had for the team.  He ran all around the court hitting forehands and backhands with the sweat dripping off him and onto the court.  It was a long-winded match and as a fan this is what you love to watch with two players giving it their all to score for their team in the playoffs.

 

            After day 1 of a 3 day USTA playoffs, the Frosty Hollow Freeze are still in it.  They continue the playoff journey tomorrow against the Philly Phighters @ 11:00 a.m.  The Frosty Hollow Freeze wants the fans to come out and be loud while cheering on the team!  Be ready for tomorrow!