Bobby Devens and Tom Mayes Dazzle at NorCal PCQ

Chizzie Brown and Valerie Herzog Take Top Honors in Women’s PCQ

Tori Eichleay,  Jeff Thomas and Tom Mayes
November 15, 2013
Ross, CA

The 2013 NorCal PCQ took place at the Lagunitas Country Club on November 8th for the women and November 9th for the men. On both days, perfect conditions prevailed under a cloudless blue sky with no wind and most importantly, no rain!

The women's draw was one of the largest in recent memory, necessitating two divisions and the use of two additional courts. Eleven teams ultimately competed for Region VI PCQ points in the ‘A’ Division, and another eight teams battled it out in the ‘B’ Division. In the main draw, Chizzie Brown and Valerie Herzog played well all day and ousted Tori Eichleay and Kate Krehbiel in the finals, 6-2, 6-3.

In the ‘B’ Draw, veterans Tucky Pogue and Marje Helfet defeated young guns (and cousins!) Sarah Puckett and Jen Lane. The enthusiasm, camaraderie, laughter, and competitive play was an indication that paddle is alive and well in Region VI at the Lagunitas Club.

On the men's side, eight teams competed for PCQ points in the ‘A’ Division and eight teams participated in the ‘B’ Division. The talent level in the A's was very high, with two-time NorCal PCQ champs Nick Hoppe and Huntley Montgomery seeded first, former National Champion Mike Cochrane and Andy Ward (flying in from the East Coast) seeded second, perennial favorites Bobby Devens and Tom Mayes seeded third, and NorCal PCQ first-timers Alex Boshell and Flo Mazzoldi seeded fourth.

Seeds held in the top half of the draw through the semis with Hoppe/Montgomery topping Boshell/Mazzoldi, 6-3, 6-1. But in the bottom half of the semis, Devens/Mayes upset Cochrane/Ward, 7-6, 6-2, by displaying consistently high level shot-making backed by a patient defense.

The crowed was bedazzled by the level of play. In the end, Devens/Mayes prevailed over Hoppe/Montgomery by the score of 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4). What a match! What a nail-biter! What a tournament!

All smiles at the beginning of the day!	(l-r) Tucky Pogue, Marje Helfet, Sarah Puckett, and Jen Scales Lane
L-R far side: Bobby Devens at net with Tom Mayes serving. L-R near side: Mike Cochrane returning with Andy Ward covering the deuce court	In the finals, a warm LCC crowd watched from the benches on the hill (assisted by a cold keg on the deck!)