Tennis Players Compete in the Heat!

3rd Annual Rally for NephCure Tennis Tournament

The University of Scranton tennis complex was the setting for the 3rd Annual Rally for NephCure Tennis Tournament held Saturday, August 13 through Monday, August 16. Over 40 junior tennis players from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and North Carolina competed for titles in four boys and three girls divisions.

Jay (l.) & Ian (r.)

Jay DeSanto, tournament director, ably supported by Ian Schobel, Assistant Tournament Director, reported that close to $5000 in net proceeds were donated to the NephCure Foundation. Of the $5000, Ian Schobel personally accounted for almost $200 through sales of NephCure bracelets and lemonade.

The tournament featured outstanding play in all divisions. In the girls 12 and under division final Sara Linn from Berwick defeated Alyssa JoaLanne from Dallas 6-0, 7-6 (7-5). In the girls 16 and under division final Elizabeth Heisler of Philadelphia earned one of her two titles by overpowering Christine Timmerman of Massachusetts 6-4, 6-3.

In the girls 18 and under division, Elizabeth Heisler gained her second title by defeating Abington Heights standout Kathleen Baillie 6-1, 6-3.

In the boys 12 and under division final, Henry Cornell of Mountaintop dominated play in a victory over Bradley Smertz of Clarks Summit 6-0, 6-1.

In the boys 14 and under division final, which turned out to be the feature match of the tournament, Alex Marchese finally prevailed over Jeff DeSanto in a match that lasted almost three hours and saw Marchese stave off three match points before winning 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3). In the boys 16 and under division final Evan Bolus of Clarks Summit coasted to a straight sets win over a scrappy Mark Covert of Dallas 6-4, 6-2. Finally, in the boys 18 and under division final Fred Hockenbury of Dallas held off Abington Heights star Josh Goodman of Waverly 6-4, 6-3.

Everyone wins at the Rally for NephCure Tournament!

The weather was very warm and humid for the two day community event, which didn’t dampen the play or spirit of the 3 rd Annual Rally for NephCure. A good time was had by all, including the participants in a senior doubles match: Henry Brehm, executive director of NephCure; Jerry DeSanto, Jay’s dad; Rob Schobel, Ian’s dad; and Dr. Meade Palmer, a generous NephCure supporter.