108 Teams Battle in the Illinois Married Mixed

John Watrous
March 15, 2016
Northfield, IL

This year’s Illinois Married Mixed tournament boasted the largest field in its history, with 108 Chicagoland couples competing in four different levels of tournaments, and matches occurring at 14 different clubs on the North Shore. Plenty of exercise, competition, comradery, and fun were to be had on a perfect paddle weather day (despite forecasts). The tournaments finished with all four championship matches being played at Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield. A large majority of the field attended to refuel and rehydrate at the post-tourney party, as well as to cheer on the finalists.

See slide show below!

The championship matches did not disappoint. In the “A PLUS” Draw, Susan and Scott Bondurant defended their 2015 title with a 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Tonya & Jeff Martin.

The “A minus“ Championship had the Sunset Ridge paddle hut rockin’ with Emily & Matt Mesley prevailing in a third set tie-breaker over Jill & Kelly Mark (3-6, 6-4, 7-6). Special note: Emily literally pulled more than her own weight, given that she was 8 months pregnant!

The “B” Championship was another thriller with Kristen and Peter Lipsey emerging victorious in three grueling and hard-fought sets over Sandi and Bill Cranny (4-6, 6-1, 6-4). Both couples were rookies at this tournament. Expect to see them moving up into new flights at future IL MM tournaments.

The “C” Championship pitted two teams that had been dominant up to that point, neither having lost a set. In the end, Tyra and Jay Leonard bested Rebecca and Adam Finkelstein, 6-4, 6-3.

Another victory for the day was had by this year’s designated charity, Erika’s Lighthouse. 100% of the net proceeds from the tournament were donated to ELH along with individual donations made by participants at the event. All in all, the event raised in excess of $2,000 for this phenomenal cause! Learn more about Erika’s Lighthouse at www.erikaslighthouse.org.

Congratulations to the winner and finalists in each bracket.

A Plus   Draw
Champs: Susan & Scott Bondurant
Finalists: Tonya & Jeff Martin

A Minus   Draw 
Champs: Emily & Matt Mesley
Finalists: Jill & Kelly Mark

B   Draw
Champs: Kristen & Peter Lipsey
Finalists: Sandi & Bill Cranny

C   Draw
Champs: Tyra & Jay Leonard
Finalists: Rebecca & Adam Finkelstein