Tracey Ackerman and Callie Brauer Repeat at North Shore B

February 16, 2015
Marblehead, MA

Previously and forever more known as the Nor’Eastern B, 12 teams took the chance of heading to the coast of Marblehead for platform tennis—weather always unpredictable. In previous years, there has been ice on paddles, blinding sun or snow, and wet hats, but this year, despite a brief “flurry worry,” the skies were mostly gray and the temperature was paddle-perfect.

L to R: Finalists Katie Martin/Nindy Pike; Winners Tracey Ackerman/Callie Brauer

Tracey Ackerman and Callie Brauer were consistent and unshakeable throughout the day, winning their second title in a row. Finalists Katie Martin and Nindy Pike fought the good fight in the first set, losing 6-4, and had a 5-3 lead in the second, but slowly watched it slip away as Ackerman and Brauer pinned them back with deep lobs. Nothing like last year’s 32 point tiebreaker, the champions were able to win this tiebreaker at 7-5.

Some young newbies joined the fun—look for their names in the future. Lindsey Herchel, second year playing, first year tournamenting, has unbelievable speed and hands on the court, and a great, husky laugh to go with it all. Boston twenty-somethings, Gretchen Curtis and Moira Talbot, brought strong tennis shots and good sportsmanship to the game.

The Eastern Yacht Club hut is always filled with goodies from the local entrepreneurs. Thanks to Paul Pruett for stopping by and supplying the Edamame Chocolate Bars. Not a morsel was left at the end of the day. Thanks also to Lolli Leeson for offering a selection of bars and gummies from JuicePlus+. The beanie hat favors were worn right away, and Tournament Director Dan McCormick handled the day like a pro and the evening in the hut like an MC. Kristin Goedkoop, the hostess, served up a “two bag” lunch, with the best soup ever, in her fine home. She also kept the group in wine and beer and good spirits with her excellent energy.