Two hard-fought finals, nothing but winners
One point made the difference, and Diane Goldstein and Grace Thompson, right, went home with first place in Group 2. Nancy Hamilton and Nancy Pudwill seem pretty delighted with second place.
Both eight-team brackets went down to the wire Saturday at the EPC Women’s Doubles Tournament sponsored by Sisters & Company at Marshdale. Gig Blitz/Susan Dickenson prevailed against Rae Boyce/June Zapata in Group 1. Diane Goldstein/ Grace Thompson edged out the Nancys—Hamilton and Pudwill—in Group 2.
Deb Kelly/Sima Ali came in third in Group 1, with Kristina Brimmekamp/Valerie McVay third in Group 2.
All 16 teams seemed to be pretty happy that they played a fun game in a beautiful place with wonderful people.
Tournament director Mick Pearce led the effort to put on another great EPC tournament. He was backed up by Jim Hunsaker, Jim Mosby, Jeri Herskovits, Kathy Kincannon, Cherie Peterson and Monte Poague.
Gig Blitz, left, and Susan Dickenson are presented with cash prizes by Sisters & Company representative Kathy Kincannon, who is the EPC social director.
Group 1 prepares to do battle. Lest you think they are all lined up next to their partners, they are not. From left: June Zapata, Rae Boyce, Janet Prezarat, Noell Jackson, Lisa Cunningham, Susan Dickenson, Gig Blitz, Linda Strauss, Binki Thalheimer, Deb Kelly, Sima Ali, Alli Moran, Taryn Young, Rebecca Rutherford, Kathy Fasold, Dawn Satchell.
Group 2, kneeling from left: Nancy Hamilton, Nancy Pudwill, Judy Black, Jerry Beth Owen, Diane Goldstein, Megan McClintock. Standing: Jennifer Nunn, Daphne Myers, Karla Gordon, Lisa Bilgrove, Nancy Byker, Grace Thompson, Dee DeLapp, Amy Deuble, Valerie McVay, Kristina Brimmekamp. Also not all partnered up for the photo. The horror.
Amy Deuble, Megan McClintock, Lisa Belgrave and Karla Gordon weren’t totally satisfied with their first tournament, but they’ll be back (I hope).
We expect nothing less from you, Alli Moran. Photo by Cherie Peterson
Nancy Hamilton, left, and Nancy Pudwill celebrate their second-place finish with mimosas and croissant sandwiches. You won’t find those treats at most tournaments.
Group 2 winners Grace Thompson, left, and Diane Goldstein receive their prizes from Kathy Kincannon on behalf of Sisters & Company.
Group 2 third-place finishers Kristina Brimmekamp, left, and Valerie McVay accept their prizes from Kathy.
Scorekeeper Roger Miles, left, and Gary Owens watch the closely contested final game for the Group 2 championship.
Watching the Group 2 final.
Group 1 receives their prizes: Gig and Susan, 1st, June and Rae, 2nd, Sima and Deb, 3rd.
Rae and June take a timeout.
Group 1 scorekeeper Giuliano Hofling and Dan Goldstein, along with Aussie doodle Sukha, enjoyed the action from above the courts. Dan is winner Diane Goldstein super supportive husband.
Gig Blitz and her husband, Pat Bixeman, enjoy the super spread provided by Kathy Kincannon.
Nancy Byker, left, and Jerry Beth Owen are ready.
Roger Miles was happy to keep score for Group 2. Photo by Cherie Peterson
These little beauties tasted good too. Photo by Cherie Peterson
As my thanks to Cherie Peterson for taking photos while I was welcoming my new granddaughter, here’s your photo that has me in it, along with EPC treasurer Jeri Herskovits and webmaster Jim Hunsaker.
The food crew: Lindy Groscurth, Kathy Kincannon, Jeri Herskovits, Pat Theno. Photo by Cherie Peterson