Frosty Hollow Freeze @ Penn State
The Frosty Hollow Freeze continued their road swing today at Delaware Valley Tennis Club where they took on Penn State on a warm and sticky afternoon. This game was played on the fast dry soft surfaced outdoor courts with the Huntingdon Valley scenery in the background. The Penn State crowd was hungry and didn’t share their food with the away team. The chant was in tune; ‘We Are Penn State.’
The Freeze stepped into the not so friendly confines of the Penn State home courts and were greeted by miserable hosts that didn’t seem to want the Freeze players and crowd there. The game lineups were submitted across from the concession stands. The Freeze lineup was hit with some Nittany Lion taunts which were amusing. The lineup was said over the boos and was set like this: For the road team entering Penn State territory; Singles1 player, Ian Blackman! Singles2 player, Shawn Gallagher! Doubles1 pair, Bob Hawley and Zach McGowan! Doubles2 pair, Ashish Patel and Eric Ulzinow! Doubles3 pair, Mark Shaffer and Lance Shaffer! The Nittany Lion mascot was said to be dancing behind the playing courts but some people are saying it was an imposter.
Doubles pair, Mark Shaffer and Lance Shaffer quieted the crowd by knocking out their opponents scoring 3 points for the team. Bob Hawley and Zach McGowan took out their opposition while dealing with a “Lets Go” almost after every point won by Penn State; but that didn’t hold for too long because Hawley and McGowan struck the Lions for 6 points. Ashish Patel and Eric Ulzinow banged in 4 more points while smacking winners over the fences. Even if you weren’t watching the courts, you could hear the cracking sound of the strings striking the ball with such authority. Blackman had a long 3 set stretch where the action was top notch. Gallagher rose to the occasion and put the finishing touches on the game, scoring 4 points.
The Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze win! The Frosty Hollow Freeze ate the Lion today by a score of 17-5. The overall game was very close, but this Freeze team has phenomenal comradeship and they were able to pull out a good road win to take on first place in the standings. The standings in the Division are so close that each point is so essential.
As usual, the Freeze crowd made their presence felt on the road. Even when players are not in the starting lineup, the Freeze players usually show up and root the team on and help with warm-ups which is something that really helps the team perform.
Also; The Carlos Araujo Show, aired on ESPN 8 (el Ocho) on Saturday night:
Hello again aficionados of the Freeze, this is Carlos reporting on the match played against Penn State. Reporting from ESPN 8 (el Ocho).
In the fifth match of the season, the Freeze returned to their winning ways. This time, playing the kids from Penn State or as they commonly known as Team “Sandusky”. Before the match Team Captain gave her motivational speech and sent the troops into battle.
Breaking news! According to sources, Team Captain Nadine Shaffer, again had a large pot of water simmering in the distance, just in case.
To start, 1st singles, Ian (Lemon Drop #1) Blackman, finally met his match. Playing someone with the same style of play, Ian went three sets before melting in the court.
2nd singles belonged to Shawn (the other M&M) Gallagher also went three sets. This time Shawn preserved and gained the victory. Shawn seems to struggle at times, almost losing in two sets. Barely winning the second set tie breaker, he came back in third set winning easily 6-0. Great comeback.
Breaking news! According to sources, Ian and Shawn have been invited to make a commercial for an undisclosed candy company, more to follow!!!
Number One fan Heather “Spicer” still looked worried as all the matches began to take place and Freeze were not dominating their opponent. Team Sandusky took a lot abuse but were resilient and fought back, winning the first set in most of the matches. Nadine (Supermom) Shaffer was seen pacing the sidelines and encouraging the team.
Breaking news! According to sources, Team Captain Nadine (Super Mom) Shaffer was not pacing the sidelines; she was just running away from the ants in the bench she was sitting at.
In doubles: 1st doubles, the reunion of Bob (Eminem) Hawley and Zach (the kid) McGowan proved to be a winning combination again. Losing the first set, Team before and after recovered just in time to win the next two sets. Eminem Hawley actually pulled a calf muscle in both legs, and suddenly began to play better. In the post-game conference it was actually suggested that he contracts Malaria the next time he play to improve his game.
Breaking news! According to all sources, Bob Hawley will remember to bring enough water to last the whole match not just two games. Additional sources have confirmed he will actually bring a hose to connect to the water supply at any club he plays.
In the 2nd doubles match, Team Ted, Ashish (Ted 1) Patel and Eric (Ted 2) Ulzinow, also went three sets. The Smash Brothers had a real opponent in front of them, and have used every trick they had in their picnic basket to win the match. Ted 1 Patel actually went bionic, wearing a knee brace that also intravenously feed him honey every other game.
Breaking news! According to anonymous sources, Mark Wahlberg was seen walking the sidelines scouting for talent for his upcoming movie Ted 3.
Finally, 3rd doubles match, Team Lobster looked terrific not only in the first set but surprisingly in the second set also. Team captain Nadine (Super Mom) Shaffer motivational acts had Team Lobster firing on all cylinders from the beginning. Wearing a special outfit to show that she meant business, (A lobster bib, nutcracker and butter with butter knife next to her) Lance and Mark took their opponents apart from the start. The result was never in doubt and cruised to an easy victory.
Breaking news! Anonymous sources report that Team Lobster has been offered a commercial from an undisclosed restaurant chain. More to follow!!!
In all, another great day for the Freeze as the team returned to their winning ways. Penn State walked dejectedly off the court not even going to the showers after the match.
Team motto has been validated, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these Freezers from the swift beating of our opponents"
Until next time, I pity the fool who decides to take on Freeze. Carlos signing off.